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NORTH  CAROLINA  GEOLOGICAL  AND  ECONOMIC  SURVEY 

JOSEPH  HYDE  PRATT,  State  Geologist 


ECONOMIC  PAPER  No.  48 


FOREST  FIRES  IN  NORTH  CAROLINA 
DURING  1915,  1916  and  1917 

AND 

PRESENT  STATUS  OF  FOREST  FIRE  PREVENTION 
IN  NORTH  CAROLINA 

C— 

BY 

J.  S.  HOLMES,  State  Forester 


RALEIGH 

Edwards  & Broughton  Printing  Co. 
State  Printers 
1918 


STATE  GEOLOGICAL  BOARD 


Governor  T.  W.  Bickett,  ex  officio  Chairman Raleigh,  N.  C. 

Mr.  John  Sprunt  Hill Durham,  N.  C. 

Mr.  Frank  R.  Hewitt Asheville,  N.  C. 

Mr.  C.  C.  Smoot,  III North  Wilkesboro,  N.  C. 

Mb.  Robert  G.  Lassiter Oxford,  X.  C. 


Joseph  Hyde  Pratt,  State  Geologist 


LETTER  OF  TRANSMITTAL 


Chapel  Hill,  FT.  C.,  May  22,  1918. 

To  his  Excellency,  Honorable  Thomas  ~W.  Bickett, 

Governor  of  North  Carolina. 

Sir  : — The  protection  of  our  forests  from  fire  is  generally  recognized  and  urged 
as  a necessary  war  measure,  as  well  as  an  essential  step  towards  safeguarding  our 
Hation’s  future  welfare.  Owing  to  the  lack  of  a State  appropriation  for  carrying 
out  the  provisions  of  the  forestry  law  of  1915,  education  and  publicity  are  prac- 
tically the  only  weapons  left  to  the  Survey  with  which  to  fight  this  common  menace. 

A report  on  the  destruction  to  property  in  this  State  by  forest  fires  during  the 
past  three  years,  as  reported  by  correspondents  in  the  various  townships,  together 
with  a sketch  of  what  has  been  done  to  combat  this  evil,  should  go  far  in  convincing 
the  people  of  iSTorth  Carolina  that  stronger  and  more  effective  measures  are  a vital 
necessity. 

I,  therefore,  submit  herewith,  for  publication  as  Economic  Paper  ISTo.  48  of  the 
Keports  of  the  Horth  Carolina  Geological  and  Economic  Survey,  a report  on  the 
Forest  Fires  in  North  Carolina  During  1915 , 1916,  and  1917,  and  the  Present  Status 
of  Forest  Fire  Prevention  in  North  Carolina.  An  Appendix  containing  a List  of 
Voluntary  Township  Forest  Fire  Correspondents  who  reported  for  the  year  1917 
has  been  added  for  the  information  of  the  general  public  and  as  a slight  recogni- 
tion of  the  free  public  service  rendered  by  these  men  and  women. 

Yours  respectfully, 

Joseph  Hyde  Pratt, 

State  Geologist. 


CONTENTS 


Forest  Fires  in  North  Carolina  During  1915,  1916,  and  1917:  - page 

Introduction  7 

Forest  Fire  Regions  7 

Fire  Seasons  8 

Relative  Monthly  and  Seasonal  Fire  Risks.  (Table  1) 8 

Forest  Fires  During  the  Year  1915: 

Summary  of  Reports  by  Counties — 

Mountain  Region.  (Table  2) 9 

Piedmont  Region.  (Table  3) 10 

Coastal  Plain  Region.  (Table  4) 11 

Comparative  Statement  of  Averages  by  Regions  for  1915  and  for  Seven  Years. 

(Table  5)  12 

Forest  Fires  During  the  Year  1916: 

Summary  of  Reports  by  Counties — 

Mountain  Region.  (Table  6) 13 

Piedmont  Region.  (Table  7) 14 

Coastal  Plain  Region.  (Table  8) 15 

Comparative  Statement  of  Averages  by  Regions  for  1916  and  for  Eight  Years. 

(Table  9)  16 

Press  Accounts  of  the  Spring  Fires 16 

Forest  Fires  During  the  Year  1917: 

Summary  of  Reports  by  Counties — 

Mountain  Region.  (Table  10) 21 

Piedmont  Region.  (Table  11) 22 

Coastal  Plain  Region.  (Table  12) 23 

Comparative  Statement  of  Averages  by  Regions  for  1917  and  for  Nine  Years. 

(Table  13)  24 

Review  of  the  Past  Three  Years 25 

Summary  of  Reports  by  Regions  for  the  Three  Years  1915,  1916,  and  1917. 

(Table  14)  26 

Causes  of  Forest  Fires: 

Classified  Causes  in  Percentages  for  Past  Three  Years.  (Table  15) 27 

Classification  of  Forest  Fires  28 

Instructions  for  Reporting  the  Causes  of  Forest  Fires 29 

Present  Status  of  Forest  Fire  Prevention  in  North  Carolina  : 

State  Forest  Fire  Prevention 31 

The  State  Forestry  Law  31 

Posters  31 

State  Forest  Wardens: 

Letter  of  Appointment 34 

Letter  of  Instructions 34 

Badges  36 

Cooperative  State  Wardens 37 

Federal  Fire  Prevention  in  North  Carolina: 

National  Forests 39 

Supervisors’  Annual  Fire  Report.  (Table  16) 40 

Weeks  Law  Cooperation  41 

Policy  and  Methods  of  United  States  Forest  Service < 41 

Federal  Patrolmen  44 

Patrol  Districts  45 

Federal  Regulations  45 

Qualifications  46 

Political  Activity  Prohibited  46 

Compensation  for  Injuries  to  Federal  Employees 47 


6 


Forest  Fires  in  ISTorth  Carolina 


Federal  Fire  Prevention  in  North  Carolina:  page 

Appointment  of  Federal  Patrolmen  48 

Instructions  for  Federal  Patrolmen  49 

Forest  Protective  Associations  50 

Tryon  Forestry  Club 50 

Forest  Fires  in  Tryon  District  Since  Federal  Patrol  Began.  (Table  17) . . 52 

Report  on  Operations  of  Tryon  Forestry  Club  for  1917 52 

Financial  Statement  52 

Mount  Mitchell  Forest  Protective  Association 53 

Financial  Statement  54 

Linville  Forest  Protective  Association  55 

List  of  Members 55 

Articles  of  Association 56 

Financial  Statement  60 

Proposed  Smoky  Mountains  Protective  Association 60 

A Private  Lookout  Station  Established 62 

Proposed  Eastern  Carolina  Forest  Protective  Association 64 

Cooperation  with  Railroads  65 

Southern  Railway  65 

Other  Railroads: 

The  East  Tennessee  and  Western  North  Carolina  Railroad 66 

Linville  River  Railway  66 

Carolina,  Clinchfield  and  Ohio  Railway 67 

Norfolk-Southern  Railway  67 

Cooperation  with  Postal  Employees: 

Mail  Carriers  to  Report  Forest  Fires 67 

Posting  Notices  in  Postoffices 68- 

State  Legislation  Needed 68 

A Suggested  Law  69 

Some  Reasons  for  Demanding  a Forestry  Appropriation 69 

Action  Urged  by  Organizations 70 

Constructive  Legislation  Demanded  by  the  State  Press 71 

Appendix  75. 


FOREST  FIRES  IN  NORTH  CAROLINA 

DURING  1915,  1916,  AND  1917 


INTRODUCTION 

The  publishing  at  this  time  of  a somewhat  full  report  on  forest  fires  might  be 
thought  of  by  those  who  have  given  little  attention  to  the  subject  as  a matter  not 
directly  affecting  the  output  of  timber  as  a war  measure.  Ou  the  contrary,  this 
subject  has  a vital  relation  to  the  war  as  well  as  to  the  peace  which  must  follow 
it.  Although  the  future  value  of  the  young  growth  annually  killed  by  fires  is 
greatly  in  excess  of  the  value  of  the  mature  timber  destroyed,  yet  the  loss  from 
both  these  sources  as  well  as  by  other  property  injured  greatly  lessens  our  efficiency 
in  pushing  the  war  and  our  prospect  of  prosperity  and  progress  during  the  ensuing 
peace. 

Information  on  the  number,  extent,  and  damage  annually  caused  by  forest  fires 
in  North  Carolina  has  been  collected  through  the  cooperation  of  voluntary  cor- 
respondents in  the  various  townships  of  the  State  for  the  past  nine  years.  At 
first,  comparatively  few  townships  were  heard  from,  but  each  succeeding  year  the 
results  of  the  inquiry  have  become  more  accurate  and  more  complete.  This  is  due 
to  the  increasing  number  of  correspondents  who  report  fires  and  to  the  better  and 
more  general  understanding  and  appreciation  of  the  damage  done  by  them.  While 
in  1909  only  158  replies  were  received  to  the  list  of  questions  sent  out,  inquiry 
for  the  past  two  years  has  elicited  slightly  over  one  thousand  replies.  Even  now, 
however,  reports  are  received  from  only  65  per  cent  of  the  townships  of  the  State. 

Reports  on  forest  fires  during  1909,  1910,  1911,  1912,  1913,  and  1914  were  pub- 
lished by  the  Survey  as  Economic  Papers  ISTos.  19,  22,  25,  33,  37,  and  40,  respec- 
tively. These  reports,  several  of  which  are  now  out  of  print,  have  been  distrib- 
uted widely  through  the  State  and  to  select  lists  of  exchanges  throughout  the 
whole  country.  The  interest  in  this  question  in  North  Carolina,  however,  is  still 
much  too  restricted,  although  the  influence  of  these  inquiries  and  reports  is 
clearly  seen  in  the  greatly  improved  attitude  towards  forest  fires  on  the  part  of 
landowners  and  the  general  public. 

It  was  originally  intended  that  the  reports  on  forest  fires  for  the  years  1915 
and  1916  should  be  published  separately,  as  previous  reports  had  been.  However, 
the  publication  of  these  reports  has  been  unavoidably  delayed  until  now  the  figures 
for  the  three  years  1915,  1916,  and  1917  are  brought  together  in  one  report.  Much 
of  the  data  for  the  different  years  has  been  given  to  the  press  from  time  to  time, 
but  its  value  to  the  people  of  the  State  amply  justifies  its  compilation  and  publi- 
cation in  this  complete  report. 

FOREST  FIRE  REGIONS 

Experience  has  shown  that  the  belt  of  counties  running  along  the  eastern  slope 
of  the  Blue  Ridge,  and  including  the  many  spurs  of  that  range,  have  fire  condi- 
tions much  more  like  those  in  the  Mountain  region  than  in  the  rest  of  the  Pied- 
mont region.  In  1915,  therefore,  reports  from  this  belt  of  counties,  containing 
Surry,  Wilkes,  Caldwell,  Burke,  McDowell,  Rutherford,  and  Polk  counties,  were 
added  to  the  Mountain  region.  This  made  the  Mountain  and  Piedmont  regions 
more  nearly  of  a size  and  showTed  much  more  accurately  the  difference  in  fire 
risks  and  fire  occurrences  in  the  two  regions.  This  change,  however,  has  neces- 


8 


Forest  Fires  in  ISTorth  Carolina 


sarily  shown  a larger  fire  damage  in  the  Mountain  and  a less  fire  damage  in  the 
Piedmont  regions  than  formerly.  It  has,  therefore,  somewhat  impaired  the  value 
of  average  figures  for  the  whole  period  during  which  fire  statistics  have  been  col- 
lected. For  this  reason  the  inclusion  of  the  data  for  the  last  three  years  in  one 
report  is  most  appropriate.  Most  of  the  average  figures  contained  in  the  report, 
therefore,  cover  only  these  three  years.  An  exception  to  this  has  been  made  in 
the  comparative  statement  of  averages.  Tables  5,  9,  and  13. 

At  the  present  time  the  Mountain  region  comprises  all  of  the  counties  west  of 
the  Blue  Ridge,  together  with  the  seven  counties  enumerated  above,  including  the 
eastern  slope  of  the  Blue  Ridge.  This  includes  practically  all  the  rough  moun- 
tain region  of  the  State.  The  Piedmont  region  extends  from  these  counties  east 
through  the  hilly  and  rolling  sections  of  the  State  to  the  “fall”  line  where  the 
Coastal  Plain  region  commences.  Roughly  speaking,  this  division  line  is  marked 
by  the  -main  line  of  the  Seaboard  Air  Line  Railway.  The  Coastal  Plain  region 
extends  from  here  to  the  coast  and  includes  everything  between  the  sandhills  in 
the  southwest  part  of  the  region  and  the  Banks  on  the  east.  This  area  is  almost 
level  and  some  of  it  quite  swampy;  most  of  the  swamps,  however,  dry  up  in  the 
summer  or  fall  and  are  then  almost  as  susceptible  to  fire  as  are  the  drier  areas. 
Roughly  speaking,  75  per  cent  of  the  Mountain  region,  50  per  cent  of  the  Pied- 
mont region,  and  65  per  cent  of  the  Coastal  Plain  region  is  forested. 


FIRE  SEASONS 


In  considering  the  subject  of  forest  fires  and  their  prevention  it  is  important 
to  know  at  what  time  of  the  year  the  most  destructive  and  dangerous  fires  may  be 
expected.  In  order  to  determine  this,  correspondents  have  each  year  been  asked 
to  state  what  are  the  worst  months  for  fires  in  their  townships.  Replies  to  this 
question  have  formed  the  basis  of  tables  on  seasonal  fire  risks  published  in  pre- 
vious reports. 

The  following  table,  however,  is  based  chiefly  on  reports  of  the  actual  occur- 
rence of  individual  fires,  and  so  should  be  more  accurate  than  earlier  similar 
tables.  It  is  significant,  however,  as  confirming  previous  conclusions,  that  this 
table  differs  in  no  essential  detail  from  those  earlier  tables  based  on  local  public 


opinion. 


Table  1.— RELATIVE  MONTHLY  AND  SEASONAL  FIRE  RISKS  FOR  THREE  YEARS,  1915, 1916,  AND  1917, 

IN  PERCENTAGES 


March. 

April 

May 

June 

July 

August 

September. 

October 

November. 

December. 

January 

February.. 


Mountain 


Months  Seasons 


63 


Piedmont 


Months  Seasons 


14 


Coastal  Plain 


Months  Seasons 


State 


Months 


64 


14 


14 


30 

2S 

16 

5 

n 

3 

3 

6 
9 
3 

2} 

3J 


Seasons 


74  Spring. 


10 


Summer. 


18  Fall. 


Winter. 


Forest  Fires  in  ISTorth  Carolina 


9 


FOEEST  FIEES  DURING  THE  TEAR  1915 

The  spring  fire  season  of  1915  was  about  average.  March  was  cold  and  rather 
dry,  and  but  few  fires  occurred  in  this  month.  Early  in  April  a change  in 
weather  occurred,  and  from  the  6th  to  the  end  of  the  month  warm  and  dry 
weather  prevailed.  It  was  during  this  period  that  the  worst  fires  occurred.  The 
counties  on  the  east  slope  of  the  Blue  Ridge  suffered  most,  though  all  the  moun- 
tain counties  were  seriously  affected,  while  practically  all  those  in  the  Coastal 
Plain  region  reported  forest  fires.  May,  according  to  the  weather  report,  was 
the  wettest  May  for  ten  years. 

The  fall  fire  season  was  late  in  commencing,  practically  no  fires  being  reported 
before  October  1st.  From  that  time  until  December  10th  fires  occurred  through- 
out the  State,  hut  in  less  number  and  with  less  severity  than  usual. 

From  reports  submitted,  it  appears  that  58  per  cent  of  the  fires  occurred  during 
the  spring  season,  more  than  one-fourth  of  the  total  fires  being  reported  for  the 
month  of  April.  During  the  fall  months  about  21  per  cent  of  the  total  number 
of  fires  for  the  year  occurred,  10  per  cent  being  reported  for  November  and  8 per 
cent  for  October. 

Table  2— FOREST  FIRES  IN  NORTH  CAROLINA  DURING  1915 
Summary  of  Reports  from  Correspondents  by  Counties 


Mountain  Region 


County 

Total  Number 
of  Townships 
in  County 

Number  of 
Townships 
Reporting 

Number  of 
Replies  Re- 
ceived 

Number  of 
Fires 

Total  Number 
Acres  Burned 
Over 

Merchantable 
Timber  De- 
stroyed, M. 

Value  of  Tim- 
ber Destroyed 

Acrefe  Young 
Growth  De- 
stroyed 

Value  Young 
Growth  De- 
stroyed 

Value  Products 
Destroyed 

Value  Improve- 
ments De- 
stroyed 

GQ 

£ 

to 

*0-2 

•43 

3 “ 

Total  Damage 
Reported 

Alleghany 

7 

6 

10 

ii 

8 



$ 

S 

$. 

s. 

s. 

Ashe 

15 

6 

10 

ii 

540 

110 

293 

220 

600 

450 

2,125 

140 

3,468 

8 

6 

8 

12 

Buncombe 

18 

7 

10 

30 

2.317 

201 

1,293 

1,905 

755 

10 

5 

1,200 

2,062 

Burke 

13 

8 

10 

12 

37,000 

1,800 

5,100 

9,500 

18,600 

16,000 

5,000 

925 

44,700 

Caldwell 

12 

6 

9 

29 

24,351 

1,200 

5,600 

21,550 

3,500 

2,012 

15 

1,260 

11,127 

Cherokee 

6 

4 

5 

27 

8,000 

150 

600 

2,000 

3,500 

1,200 

400 

175 

5,700 

Clay 

5 

5 

7 

38 

19,000 

860 

3,800 

12.800 

3,440 

6,200 

900 

275 

14,340 

Graham. 

3 

3 

9 

32 

11,800 

456 

1,615 

3,260 

1,225 

1,200 

265 

775 

4,305 

Haywood _ 

13 

9 

13 

27 

3,930 

595 

1,700 

2,600 

7,100 

1,000 

675 

2,670 

10,475 

Henderson 

8 

7 

9 

13 

2,270 

65 

960 

660 

1,360 

120 

175 

105 

2,615 

Jackson 

15 

8 

11 

21 

12,700 

72 

228 

500 

50 

383 

240 

327 

901 

McDowell _ 

11 

6 

10 

34 

800 

34 

72 

407 

400 

230 

1,300 

175 

702 

11 

7 

10 

26 

2,655 

33 

89 

1,664 

754 

3 

340 

2,126 

Madison 

16 

11 

12 

10 

16,600 

1,057 

6,194 

3,700 

3,050 

2,250 

1,500 

325 

12,994 

Mitchell. 

10 

6 

10 

31 

200 

10 

20 

100 

250 

25 

1,490 

100 

1,795 

Polk 

6 

6 

11 

18 

5,960 

190 

335 

7,100 

5,700 

1,800 

2,085 

325 

9,910 

Rutherford 

14 

9 

13 

33 

3,204 

796 

1,915 

2,140 

3,915 

1,405 

1,205 

840 

8,440 

Surry 

14 

14 

27 

10 

1,050 

215 

690 

285 

135 

620 

120 

225 

1,565 

Swain 

4 

2 

3 

20 

10,725 

90 

250 

20,500 

5,200 

1,000 

1,000 

150 

7,450 

Transylvania 

8 

6 

10 

44 

3,000 

200 

800 

700 

640 

500 

300 

200 

2,240 

13 

9 

14 

1,200 

275 

1,900 

30 

100 

350 

95 

2,350 

Wilkes 

21 

17 

35 

35 

8,504 

2,305 

4,275 

7,750 

6,125 

6,995 

6,700 

1,290 

24,095 

Yancey 

11 

11 

15 

17 

331 

81 

335 

200 

175 

200 

700 

185 

1,410 

Totals 

262 

179 

281 

495 

176,137  10,795 

38,064 

99,571 

66,574 

43,953 

26,200 

12,102 

174,791 

10 


Forest  Fires  in  jSTorth  Carolina 


Table  3.— FOREST  FIRES  IN  NORTH  CAROLINA  DURING  1915 
Summary  of  Reports  from  Correspondents  by  Counties 


Piedmont  Region 


County 

Total  Number 
of  Townships 
in  County 

Number  of 
Townships 
Reporting 

Number  of 
Replies  Re- 
ceived 

Number  of 
Fires 

Total  Number 
Acres  Burned 
Over 

Merchantable 
Timber  De- 
stroyed, M. 

Value  of  Tim- 
ber Destroyed 

Acres  Young 
Growth  De- 
stroyed 

Value  Young 
Growth  De- 
stroyed 

Value  Products 
Destroyed 

Value  Improve- 
ments De- 
stroyed 

© 

u 

fc£ 

C.:f 

to 

"3  o 

c © 

Alamance. 

14 

7 

9 

4 

1,730 

5 

$ 17 

1,430 

■SI,  700 

.$  80 

$ 

$ 50 

•5  1,797 

Alexander 

8 

6 

7 

3 

121 

100 

350 

66 

250 

400 

200 

15 

1,200 

Anson 

8 

Cabarrus.  

13 

8 

10 

Caswell 

9 

6 

7 

Catawba 

8 

11 

3 

2 

8 

100 

107 

25 

215 

Chatham 

13 

5 

6 

2 

10 

10 

10 

5 

10 

Cleveland 

11 

8 

10 

3 

125 

30 

125 

125 

50 

205 

Davidson 

18 

6 

6 

r 

15 

16 

30 

3 

25 

20 

Davie 

7 

7 

13 

Durham 

7 

2 

2 

i 

Forsyth. 

14 

10 

12 

1 

i 

Franklin  

10 

3 

6 

35 

6,000 

200 

1,000 

650 

4,000 

500 

800 

250 

6,300 

Gaston 

6 

4 

8 

9 

1,019 

33 

152 

240 

362 

2,279 

Granville 

9 

7 

9 

7 

1,050 

10 

30 

520 

25 

555 

1,500 

5 

2,115 

Guilford___ 

18 

10 

12 

5 

100 

250 

216 

297 

400 

150 

1,097 

Iredell 

16 

6 

10 

7 

69 

10 

50 

30 

155 

270 

50 

28 

525 

Lee 

7 

3 

3 

Lincoln  

5 

1 

1 

Mecklenburg 

10 

15 

3 

15 

Montgomery 

11 

9 

9 

13 

2,854 

61 

279 

300 

500 

190 

40 

969 

Moore. 

9 

8 

16 

21 

13,000 

1 

5 

13,000 

11,000 

2,010 

300 

200 

13,315 

Orange 

7 

4 

5 

1 

10 

10 

10 

1 

10 

Person 

9 

3 

4 

350 

300 

300 

25 

1,400 

Randolph. 

20 

7 

10 

9 

1,425 

135 

Rockingham 

11 

4 

6 

i 

Rowan 

14 

8 

11 

17 

282 

25 

150 

102 

510 

160 

1,400 

50 

2,220 

Stanly. 

10 

1 

1 

2 

175 

12 

60 

25 

50 

40 

150 

Stokes 

9 

2 

3 

1 

150 

150 

12 

12 

24 

Union 

9 

7 

9 

Vance. 

9 

5 

6 

i 

75 

75 

Wake ...I. 

19 

3 

3 

13 

1,200 

200 

500 

1,100 

1,100 

225 

1,600 

Warrem. 

12 

8 

a 

36 

1,620 

600 

240 

945 

6,000 

1.400 

250 

70 

7,890 

Yadkin. 

9 

7 

14 

3 

60 

1 

5 

45 

70 

110 

1.250 

10 

1,435 

Totals 

374 

190 

265 

200 

31,500 

1,500 

3,500 

19,400 

28,100 

7,400 

5,900 

1,180 

44,900 

Forest  Fires  in  North  Carolina 


11 


Table  4— FOREST  FIRES  IN  NORTH  CAROLINA  DURING  1915 
Summary  of  Reports  from  Correspondents  by  Counties 


Coastal  Plain  Region 


County 

Total  Number 
of  Townships 
in  County 

Number  of 
Townships 
Reporting 
Number  of 
Replies  Re- 
ceived 

Number  of 
Fires 

Total  Number 
Acres  Burned 
Over 

Merchantable 
Timber  De- 
stroyed, M. 

Value  of  Tim- 
ber Destroyed 

Acres  Young 
Growth  De- 
stroyed 

Value  Young 
Growth  De- 
stroyed 

Value  Products 
Destroyed 

Value  Improve- 
ments De- 
stroyed 

Cost  of 
Fighting  Fires 

Total  Damage 
Reported 

6 

1 

1 

% 

s 

$ 

$ 

s 

s 

Bertie „ 

9 

8 

16 

19 

4,560 

735 

2,210 

3,610 

8,175 

755 

330 

125 

11,470 

4 

4 

1 

25 

10 

50 

25 

20 

125 

5 

195 

Brunswick 

6 

i 

i 

7 

11,000 

150 

525 

7,000 

24,000 

7,000 

2,500 

35 

34,025 

3 

i 

i 

10 

3 

3 

5,000 

25 

100 

5,000 

1,000 

50 

10 

1,160 

Chowan 

4 

4 

4 

2 

20 

20 

20 

20 

Columbus 

14 

9 

18 

81 

20,960 

2,000 

3,500 

12,800 

8,700 

6,050 

1,000 

825 

19,250 

Craven 

9 

4 

7 

13 

10,000 

320 

1,180 

6,000 

10,000 

2,200 

1,500 

300 

14,880 

Cumberland 

11 

5 

7 

62 

3,500 

1,050 

1,130 

2,000 

1,500 

350 

6,200 

200 

9,180 

5 

4 

4 

5 

1 

1 

8 

300 

10 

150 

250 

1,600 

1,860 

Duplin 

13 

4 

4 

4 

120 

30 

35 

10 

100 

230 

500 

75 

865 

14 

7 

9 

5 

950 

510 

1,565 

830 

2,430 

55 

10 

4,060 

7 

4 

4 

13 

590 

590 

1,095 

1,095 

Green 

9 

4 

6 

7 

1.200 

110 

450 

850 

1,000 

1,000 

2,450 

12 

3 

4 

9 

450 

60 

325 

15,000 

10 

15,385 

13 

12 

12 

8 

40,910 

150 

1,435 

1,435 

1,000 

200 

1 

2,635 

6 

3 

3 

3 

250 

100 

250 

250 

Hoke 

8 

3 

3 

11 

2,000 

100 

200 

315 

Hyde 

5 

3 

5 

2 

50 

202 

50 

50 

17 

6 

9 

3 

250 

150 

225 

150 

300 

100 

Jones 

7 

1 

1 

Lenoir 

12 

7 

7 

6 

850 

100 

400 

350 

250 

50 

275 

50 

975 

Martin. 

10 

2 

2 

5 

500 

55 

200 

375 

500 

180 

25 

75 

905 

Nash 

15 

10 

10 

34 

3,110 

202 

707 

2,212 

3,650 

3,220 

1,000 

270 

8,577 

New  Hanover 

5 

1 

1 

2 

200 

4 

20 

100 

100 

50 

10 

170 

Northampton 

9 

7 

14 

12 

4,220 

120 

360 

4,155 

18,175 

50 

850 

110 

19,435 

Onslow 

5 

2 

3 

9 

22,000 

1,900 

9,400 

22,000 

9,000 

2,800 

1,900 

200 

23,100 

Pamlico 

5 

2 

4 

Pasquotank 

6 

2 

4 

5 

245 

10 

40 

200 

1,000 

15 

1,000 

100 

2,055 

Pender 

10 

6 

8 

47 

54,400 

2,200 

6,650 

27,050 

54,350 

2,800 

1,150 

650 

64,950 

5 

3 

3 

4 

500 

200 

Pitt 

12 

8 

10 

16 

4,900 

276 

699 

4,150 

17,260 

2,150 

5,500 

300 

-25,609 

Richmond 

7 

5 

4 

1,000 

10 

10 

700 

500 

400 

100 

1,010 

Robeson 

25 

ii 

18 

36 

9,100 

322 

739 

4,205 

4,310 

830 

765 

388 

6,644 

16 

12 

12 

720 

290 

800 

500 

100 

800 

4 

1 

1 



5 

1 

1 

3 

400 

100 

500 

100 

500 

Washington 

4 

2 

3 

Wayne 

12 

4 

5 

1 

2 .. 

2 

Wilson 

10 

6 

6 

4 

250 

30 

150 

50 

100 

25 

50 

25 

325 

Totals 

385 

187 

244 

456 

204,532 

11,246 

31,730 

107,394 

170,600 

31,435 

41,715 

4,054 

275,480 

12 


Forest  Fires  in  North  Carolina 


Table  5.— FOREST  FIRES  IN  NORTH  CAROLINA  DURING  1915 
Comparative  Statement  of  Averages  by  Regions  for  1915  and  for  Seven  Years 


Mountain 

Piedmont 

Coastal  Plain 

State 

1915 

Average 

for 

7 Years 

1915 

Average 

for 

7 Years 

1915 

Average 

for 

7 Years 

1915 

Average 

for 

7 Years 

Percentage  of  townships  reporting. 

70 

45 

51 

44 

51 

36 

56 

42 

Average  area  of  each  fire,  in  acres. _ 

334 

817 

107 

398 

449 

626 

303 

578 

Average  damage  by  each  fire 

Average  area  burned  over  per 

$ 378.00 

$1,264.00 

$ 230.00 

S 658.00 

$ 613.00 

SI, 015 .00 

8 445.00 

S 934.00 

township  reporting,  in  acres 

984 

*1,538 

166 

*625 

1,094 

*1,259 

759 

*947 

Average  damage  per  acre  burnt  ___ 
Average  damage  per  township 

$ 1.06 

S 1.44 

S 1.46 

S 1.62 

$ 1.37 

S 1.73 

S 1.30 

S 1.56 

reporting 

81,044.00 

S2.979 .00 

S 243 .00 

S 773.00 

S 611.00 

81,429.00 

8 922.00 

51,552.00 

* Average  for  six  years;  no  township  figures  for  1909. 


From  the  foregoing  tables  it  is  seen  that  during  1915  both  the  area  burned  over 
and  the  total  damage  reported  was  only  about  one-third  of  the  average  for  the 
past  seven  years;  although  the  number  of  fires  was  up  to  the  average.  It  is 
noticeable  that  the  average  damage  per  acre  is  less  than  usual.  This  is,  un- 
doubtedly, due  to  the  fact  that  in  light  fire  seasons,  only  areas  which  have  been 
in  the  habit  of  being  burned  are  likely  to  catch  fire;  while  those  that  have  been 
protected  are  fairly  free  from  fire.  During  a light  fire  season,  the  land  is  easily 
protected,  if  ordinary  care  and  foresight  are  used;  whereas,  during  a serious 
season,  fires  are  liable  to  break  out  anywhere,  even  with  more  than  the  usual 
watchfulness. 

FOREST  FIRES  DURING  THE  TEAR  1916 

The  spring  forest  fire  season  of  1916  was  the  worst  so  far  recorded  during  the 
eight  years  that  fire  statistics  have  been  collected.  It  has  been  estimated  that 
approximately  three  million  dollars  was  lost  through  forest  fires  in  North  Caro- 
lina in  the  spring  season  alone. 

The  dry  weather  commenced  late  in  February  and,  with  only  occasional  very 
light  rains,  continued  until  the  end  of  May,  the  heavy  general  rains  from  May 
22-24  and  again  from  May  28-30  ending  the  dangerous  season.  Exceptionally 
high  winds  and  hot  drying  weather  prevailed  at  the  end  of  March  and  throughout 
April;  and  it  was  during  this  time  that  the  worst  fires  occurred. 

The  fall  fire  season  was  the  mildest  so  far  experienced.  The  first  killing  frost 
came  two  weeks  later  than  usual,  and  the  summer  weather  continued  up  almost 
to  the  end  of  October.  Heavy  general  rains,  October  18-20,  made  the  woods  safe 
until  the  end  of  the  month.  There  was  less  wind  than  usual,  and  few  serious 
fires  occurred. 

Approximately  17  per  cent  of  the  fires  occurred  during  the  spring;  March  being 
credited  with  25  per  cent,  April  33  per  cent,  and  May  19  per  cent.  No  other 
month  in  the  year  claimed  .more  than  5 per  cent  of  the  fires. 


Forest  Fires  in  North  Carolina 


13 


Table  6.— FOREST  FIRES  IN  NORTH  CAROLINA  DURING  1916 
Summary  of  Reports  from  Correspondents  by  Counties 


Mountain  Region 


County 

Total  Number 
of  Townships 
in  County 

Number  of 
Townships 
Reporting 

Number  of 
Replies  Re- 
ceived 

Number  of 
Fires 

Total  Number 
Acres  Burned 
Over 

Merchantable 
Timber  De- 
stroyed, M. 

Value  of  Tim- 
ber Destroyed 

Acres  Young 
Growth  De- 
stroyed 

Value  Young 
Growtli  De- 
stroyed 

Value  Products 
Destroyed 

Value  Improve- 
ments De- 
stroyed 

Cost  of 

Fighting  Fires 

Total  Damage 
Reported 

7 

6 

9 

1 

10 

$_ 

5 

S1,000 

s . 

8 200 

s 

S 1,200 

Ashe 

15 

5 

a 

ii 

368 

70 

330 

252 

1,750 

1,200 

2,185 

45 

5,465 

Avery 

8 

4 

8 

13 

4,540 

2,220 

10,700 

3,050 

50,250 

100 

1,000 

610 

62,050 

Buncombe. 

18 

10 

14 

29 

1,075 

770 

2,415 

615 

1,515 

1,090 

250 

910 

5,270 

Burke 

13 

11 

20 

51 

26,105 

5,960 

26,260 

8,305 

15,900 

19,400 

2,250 

2,170 

63,810 

Caldwell 

12 

12 

29 

50 

16,100 

6,235 

25,690 

4,750 

6,935 

18,750 

3,125 

1,110 

54,500 

Cherokee 

6 

4 

5 

43 

15,500 

775 

2,350 

250 

300 

400 

875 

225 

3,925 

Clay 

5 

4 

11 

25 

9,000 

760 

3,540 

1,920 

3,100 

5,000 

125 

110 

11,765 

Graham. 

3 

3 

4 

5 

4,000 

200 

800 

3,000 

6,000 

1,000 

1,000 

100 

8,800 

Haywood 

13 

9 

16 

45 

16,975 

10,031 

50,129 

95 

3,100 

1,200 

3,250 

385 

57,679 

Henderson 

8 

8 

20 

34 

3,720 

865 

3,525 

2,875 

8,150 

30,400 

525 

42,075 

Jackson. 

15 

■ 8 

13 

53 

4,132 

337 

1,400 

2,800 

2,785 

1,125 

300 

1,138 

5,610 

Macon 

11 

11 

17 

18 

11,197 

5 

45 

5,134 

680 

20,100 

590 

95 

21,415 

Madison... 

16 

12 

17 

34 

10,300 

147 

734 

1,070 

1,410 

1,800 

850 

170 

4,794 

McDowell 

11 

8 

14 

24 

23,625 

1,575 

6,325 

2,450 

51,820 

1,095 

6,650 

805 

65,890 

10 

6 

10 

5 

40 

3 

12 

20 

250 

1,000 

1,262 

Polk. 

6 

5 

14 

43 

3,910 

1,148 

3,592 

2,175 

9,525 

12,400 

725 

125 

26,242 

Rutherford 

14 

a 

16 

52 

5,324 

566 

3,894 

1,849 

5,160 

5,963 

2,275 

735 

17,292 

Surry 

14 

12 

27 

32 

3,570 

552 

588 

1,320 

2,010 

9,050 

1,750 

275 

13,398 

Swain 

4 

2 

3 

6 

7,050 

620 

1,300 

2,000 

3,500 

15,100 

2,000 

1,050 

21,900 

Transylvania 

8 

6 

10 

45 

3,650 

600 

1,200 

1,625 

6,500 

6,000 

540 

13,700 

Watauga 

13 

10 

20 

17 

1,627 

115 

545 

560 

1,040 

10.100 

425 

205 

12,110 

Wilkes 

21 

20 

47 

82 

14,615 

7,756 

29,565 

6,047 

22,320 

15,070 

9,000 

2,450 

75,955 

Yancey 

11 

10 

17 

17 

2,916 

155 

610 

1,831 

9,150 

5,700 

1,300 

2,175 

16,760 

Totals 

262 

197 

372 

735 

189,349 

41,450 

175,549 

53,998 

214,150 

182,043 

41,125 

15,953 

612,867 

14 


Forest  Fires  in  North  Carolina 


Table  7.— FOREST  FIRES  IN  NORTH  CAROLINA  DURING  1916 
Summary  of  Reports  from  Correspondents  by  Counties 


Piedmont  Region 


County 

Total  Number 
of  Townships 
in  County 

Number  of 
Townships 
Reporting 

Number  of 
Replies  Re- 
ceived 

Number  of 
Fires 

Total  Number 
Acres  Burned 
Over 

Merchantable 
Timber  De- 
stroyed, M. 

Value  of  Tim- 
ber Destroyed 

Acres  Young 
Growth  De- 
stroyed 

Value  Young 
Growth  De- 
stroyed 

Value  Products 
Destroyed 

Value  Improve- 
ments De- 
stroyed 

01 

a 

t L 

tc 

14 

6 

11 

11 

110 

31 

$ 155 

54 

$ 220 

$3,320 

S 

s 

$ 3,695 

8 

7 

9 

4 

5,535 

100 

18,120 

5 

100 

1,430 

19,650 

8 

Cabarrus 

13 

8 

10 

13 

61 

62 

360 

7 

585 

840 

515 

100 

2,300 

9 

5 

6 

2 

25 

25 

8 

5 

8 

8 

70 

242 

420 

58 

440 

181 

310 

1,041 

Chatham 

13 

6 

4 

6 

2.125 

2 

5,010 

100 

500 

20 

5 

200 

5,535 

Cleveland 

11 

9 

21 

45 

2,084 

188 

1,240 

780 

9,495 

12,075 

310 

515 

23,120 

Davidson,. _ __ 

18 

10 

17 

39 

288 

190 

815 

60 

590 

1,150 

770 

195 

3,325 

Davie 

7 

7 

9 

5 

50 

100 

20 

215 

25 

315 

Durham. 

7 

4 

6 

9 

40 

13 

4,196 

5.100 

9,336 

14 

7 

7 

2 

35 

300 

5 

25 

500 

$25 

Franklin 

10 

6 

7 

20 

11,100 

20 

2,580 

10,104 

5,550 

5,000 

1,000 

400 

14,130 

Gaston 

6 

4 

7 

16 

1,282 

24 

2,802 

1,233 

3,000 

895 

1,700 

133 

8,397 

Granville 

9 

8 

14 

16 

308 

60 

450 

183 

1,500 

2,000 

100 

60 

4,050 

Guilford  

18 

8 

10 

5 

200 

2 

20 

52 

150 

300 

40 

25 

510 

Iredell  ..  ..  . 

16 

9 

10 

21 

496 

105 

220 

110 

5,500 

4,000 

3,350 

75 

13,070 

Lee 

7 

5 

13 

11 

6,300 

85 

325 

6,250 

18,750 

9,250 

1,650 

150 

29,975 

5 

5 

11 

6 

95 

80 

320 

35 

320 

Mecklenburg 

15 

10 

12 

3 

8 

10 

3 

Montgomery 

H 

10 

16 

45 

17,603 

2,215 

7,880 

10,787 

31,135 

28,310 

1,050 

690 

68,375 

Moore  

9 

7 

8 

18 

14,800 

1,150 

5,600 

800 

6,500 

5,600 

900 

700 

18,600 

7 

2 

3 

1 

200 

200 

2,000 

2,000 

Person 

9 

3 

4 

1 

5 

Randolph 

20 

9 

12 

12 

410 

110 

430 

375 

1,300 

1,000 

300 

150 

3,030 

Rockingham 

11 

5 

6 

9 

211 

30 

105 

31 

410 

100 

60 

615 

Rowan 

14 

8 

12 

8 

204 

5 

1,050 

97 

165 

250 

100 

30 

1,565 

10 

6 

6 

17 

153 

5 

25 

87 

650 

25 

60 

700 

Stokes. 

9 

4 

4 

6 

1,400 

300 

1,225 

5,000 

4,000 

500 

9,300 

Union 

9 

8 

9 

9 

263 

10 

85 

120 

800 

1,460 

Vance 

9 

4 

6 

3 

25 

500 

15 

100 

600 

Wake 

19 

7 

6 

17 

4,010 

20,000 

160 

700 

20,000 

40,700 

Warren 

12 

6 

12 

68 

2,100 

217 

2,170 

1,100 

6,700 

9,585 

1,250 

205 

19,705 

Yadkin 

9 

7 

15 

31 

470 

205 

1,925 

144 

1,340 

875 

1,630 

150 

5,770 

Totals 

374 

215 

311 

487 

72,571 

5,058 

73,347 

34,213 

107,391 

109,551 

21,725 

4.91S 

312,014 

Forest  Fires  in  North  Carolina 


15 


Table  8.— FOREST  FIRES  IN  NORTH  CAROLINA  DURING  1916 
Summary  of  Reports  from  Correspondents  by  Counties 
Coastal  Plain  Region 


County 

Total  Number 
of  Townships 
in  County 

Number  of 
Townships 
Reporting 

Number  of 
Replies  Re- 
ceived 

Number  of  . 
Fires 

Total  Number 
Acres  Burned 
Over 

Merchantable 
Timber  De- 
stroyed, M. 

Value  of  Tim- 
ber Destroyed 

Acres  Young 
Growth  De- 
stroyed 

Value  Young 
Growth  De- 
stroyed 

Value  Product! 
Destroyed 

Value  Improve 
ments  De- 
stroyed 

Cost  of 
Fighting  Fires 

Total  Damage 
Reported 

6 

5 

6 

31 

47,000 

10,100 

$31,300 

6,500 

§17,000 

§ 4,000 

814,000 

$ 

S 66,300 

Bertie 

9 

8 

12 

25 

22,125 

1,195 

5,440 

20,550 

43,500 

140,030 

55,125 

315 

244,095 

Bladen 

15 

10 

16 

42 

32,500 

5,620 

17,100 

21,900 

31,700 

58.625 

2,500 

3,600 

109,925 

Brunswick 

6 

5 

5 

15 

20,500 

3,040 

20,080 

6,500 

17,000 

18,902 

2,850 

1,350 

58,832 

3 

2 

2 

Carteret 

10 

5 

6 

7 

51,000 

15,250 

76,000 

250 

13,000 

50,000 

5,300 

1,000 

144,300 

Chowan 

4 

2 

2 

6 

1,540 

150 

500 

525 

1,050 

350 

50 

325 

1,950 

Columbus 

14 

10 

16 

152 

89,614 

5,810 

15,830 

18,880 

80,525 

20,840 

20,425 

6,275 

137,620 

Craven  

9 

6 

12 

16 

82,700 

50,100 

252,500 

15,000 

15,000 

30,000 

1,500 

2,000 

299,000 

Cumberland 

11 

6 

7 

30 

27,020 

21,000 

53,000 

10,600 

6,000 

46,000 

23,200 

1,000 

128,200 

Currituck 

5 

4 

7 

Dare 

5 

i 

1 

4 

400 

100 

500 

500 

1,000 

Duplin___ 

13 

6 

6 

37 

6,640 

1,150 

4,800 

1,440 

3,500 

8,000 

200 

325 

16,500 

Edgecombe 

14 

11 

20 

31 

7,525 

302 

2,730 

2,935 

11,750 

2,900 

1,125 

520 

18,505 

Gates 

7 

5 

6 

22 

1,500 

50 

5,250 

1,000 

5,000 

20,000 

75,050 

1,000 

105,300 

Greene 

9 

6 

9 

12 

705 

25 

20 

310 

1,100 

650 

2,000 

10 

3,770 

Halifax 

12 

9 

10 

92 

28,150 

910 

7,740 

16,050 

31,550 

35,500 

12,350 

400 

8/, 140 

Harnett 

13 

10 

14 

29 

22,675 

220 

1,070 

21,455 

10,580 

102,275 

3,750 

3,180 

117,675 

Hertford __ 

6 

3 

3 

1 

50 

40 

200 

50 

150 

350 

10 

700 

Hoke... 

8 

2 

2 

7 

13,000 

525 

2,100 

1,300 

2.000 

500 

1,200 

200 

5,800 

Hyde 

5 

4 

11 

10 

11,060 

1,110 

6,050 

5,500 

52,000 

103,400 

1,100 

650 

162,500 

Johnston 

17 

9 

11 

15 

1.925 

210 

4,040 

1,025 

600 

1,000 

5,100 

250 

10,740 

Jones 

7 

5 

7 

17 

20,500 

2,900 

11,800 

10,300 

12,400 

8,500 

1,800 

700 

34.500 

Lenoir 

12 

7 

10 

27 

2,350 

250 

3,100 

1,075 

2,050 

2,950 

910 

450 

9,010 

Martin 

10 

2 

1 

10 

13,000 

5,000 

25,000 

13,000 

38,000 

Nash 

15 

10 

10 

26 

1,935 

66 

270 

675 

1,180 

1,925 

750 

860 

4,125 

New  Hanover 

5 

3 

4 

10 

3,000 

3,500 

1,000 

10,150 

2,000 

100 

15,650 

Northampton 

9 

7 

10 

20 

11.580 

510 

2.045 

6,403 

42,815 

40 

3,110 

185 

48,010 

Onslow 

5 

1 

2 

8 

20,000 

3,000 

6,000 

12,000 

3,000 

300 

18,000 

Pamlico 

5 

3 

3 

11 

1,150 

10,600 

900 

700 

200 

4,400 

15,900 

Pasquotank 

6 

4 

7 

5 

1,100 

1,025 

4,125 

35 

450 

2,500 

150 

150 

7,225 

Pender 

10 

8 

13 

51 

78,800 

19,500 

52,600 

14,500 

89,500 

5,800 

35,800 

2,350 

183,700 

Perquimans 

5 

2 

3 

2 

10 

10 

100 

100 

Pitt 

12 

10 

13 

35 

3,750 

300 

15,850 

3,100 

29,000 

512 



1,760 

2,600 

47,122 

Richmond 

7 

5 

9 

26 

18,025 

2 

10 

7,115 

100 

900 

1,000 

750 

2,010 

Robeson 

25 

ii 

17 

53 

21,525 

2,585 

10,320 

19,415 

25,000 

120,400 

1,400 

675 

157,120 

Sampson 

16 

12 

13 

26 

18,800 

8,850 

44,100 

5,200 

9,000 

8,400 

20,200 

2,470 

81,700 

Scotland 

4 

3 

3 

3 

10,115 

100 

400 

400 

Tyrrell 

5 

5 

8 

6 

2,460 

150 

1,100 

200 

5,500 

50 

6,600 

Washington 

4 

2 

6 

53 

14,500 

300 

1,300 

12,500 

5,000 

4,500 

1,000 

1,300 

11,800 

Wayne 

12 

7 

9 

13 

275 

300 

1,140 

155 

600 

1,840 

1,125 

240 

4,705 

Wilson 

10 

4 

3 

4 

175 

25 

2,100 

25 

200 

1,350 

600 

100 

4,250 

Totals 

385 

240 

335 

990 

715,304 

201,735 

698,110 

389,983 

589,250 

803,639 

318, S30 

35,690 

2409,829 

16 


Forest  Fires  in  North  Carolina 


Table  9.— FOREST  FIRES  IN  NORTH  CAROLINA  DURING  1916 
Comparative  Statement  of  Averages?  by  Regions  for  1916  and  for  Eight  Years 


Mountain 

Piedmont 

Coastal  Plain 

State 

1916 

Average 

for 

8 Years 

1916 

Average 

for 

8 Years 

1916 

Average 

for 

8 Years 

1916 

Average 

for 

8 Years 

Percentage  of  townships  reporting. 

75 

49 

58 

46 

62 

39 

64 

45 

Average  area  of  each  fire,  in  acres. 

257 

747 

150 

367 

712 

637 

442 

561 

Average  damage  by  each  fire 

Average  area  burned  over  per 

$ 831.00 

$1,153.00 

8 598.00 

S 651.00 

$2,755.00 

$1,233.00 

$1,646.00 

$1,023.00 

township  reporting,  in  acres 

959 

*1,273 

340 

*584 

2,979 

*1,505 

1,482 

*1,023 

Average  damage  per  acre  burnt  — 
Average  damage  per  township 

$ 3.24 

$ 1.67 

$ 4.00 

S 1.92 

$ 3.83 

S 1.99 

$ 3.60 

S 1 .82 

reporting 

S3, 107. 00 

$2,995.00 

$1,353.00 

$ 844.00 

$11,405.00  82,676.00 

1 

$5,583.00 

$2,056.00 

•Average  for  seven  years;  no  township  figures  for  1909. 


Tlie  forest  fire  damage  for  1916  broke  all  previous  records.  The  total  number 
of  fires  and  the  total  area  burned  over  were  more  than  double  that  of  any  pre- 
vious year,  not  only  for  the  whole  State,  but  in  each  of  the  three  regions  of  the 
State.  The  total  reported  damage  amounted  to  over  $3,640,000,  or  more  than 
three  times  the  damage  before  reported.  Most  of  this  loss  occurred  during  April 
and  May,  as  the  fall  fire  season  was  less  serious  than  usual.  Numbers  of  the 
fires  burned  for  many  days,  causing  hundreds  of  thousands  of  dollars  worth  of 
damage  each.  Because  of  this  large  destruction,  extra  expenditures  were  neces- 
sary for  fighting  fires  and  we  have  reported  an  expenditure  of  $56,000  by  private 
individuals  fighting  fire.  This,  undoubtedly,  is  a very  small  estimate,  as  it  is  said 
that  at  one  fire  alone,  in  McDowell  and  Burke  counties,  five  hundred  men  were 
employed  and  they  were  fighting  fire  for  several  days. 

PRESS  ACCOUNTS  OF  THE  SPRING  FIRES 

Newspaper  reports,  although  in  some  cases  exaggerated,  give  a good  idea  of  the 
conditions  prevailing  in  all  parts  of  the  State  during  the  latter  half  of  April  and 
early  in  May,  1916.  For  their  historic  as  well  as  descriptive  value,  a number  of 
quotations  are  here  given. 

FOREST  FIRE  IS  RAGING  IN  McDOWELL  COUNTY 

Has  Spread  Twenty  Miles  and  Destroyed  Numerous  Buildings 

Marion,  N.  C.,  April  23. — A forest  fire,  originating  at  or  near  Hankins,  covering  in 
width,  several  miles,  has  been  raging  for  twenty-four  hours  in  McDowell  County,  and 
already  has  extended  twenty  miles  toward  Burke  County.  A church,  a school  building, 
a large  mill,  and  a dozen  farmhouses  have  been  burned.  It  would  he  impossible  to 
estimate  the  timber  loss.  A call  reached  Marion  last  night  for  help  to  fight  the  fire, 
and  many  automobiles  loaded  down  with  fire  fighters  were  rushed  to  the  country,  hut 
the  fight  was  altogether  in  vain.  Nothing  but  rain  or  some  wide  stream  of  water  can 
stem  the  raging  torrent  of  fire.- — Asheville  Citizen,  April  2Jt,  1916. 

MORE  FOREST  FIRES  IN  McDOWELL  COUNTY"— PROPERTY  LOSS  EXTENSIVE 

Marion,  April  24.— Three  more  forest  fires  broke  out  in  McDowell  County  Sunday 
afternoon,  one  on  Armstrong  Creek,  one  on  Buck  Creek,  one  on  Hickorynut  Mountain. 
The  Buck  Creek  fire  is  threatening  the  Appalachian  forest  reserve.  The  forest  depart- 


Forest  Feres  in  Horth  Carolina 


17 


ment  secured  every  available  man  to  figlit  the  fire.  Every  known  plan  of  fire  fighting 
has  been  tried  with  but  little  success.  Today  at  noon  there  is  every  appearance  of 
rain,  the  only  thing  that  can  conquer  the  fire. 

Hundreds  of  thousands  of  dollars  in  property  value  has  been  destroyed.  The  Han- 
kins fire  that  has  been  spreading  towards  Burke  County,  in  the  estimate  of  a well- 
known  citizen,  has  already  destroyed  $200,000  worth  of  property. 

Marion  was  surrounded  by  fire  last  night. — Charlotte  Observer,  April  25,  1916. 


WESTERN  FORESTS  SWEPT  BY  FLAMES 


Millions  of  Feet  of  Lumber  Have  Been  Destroyed  in  Caldwell  and  Alexander 

Lenoir,  April  25. — Forest  fires  of  a most  terrific  and  destructive  nature  have  been 
raging  in  the  northern  section  of  Caldwell  and  Alexander  counties  for  the  last  several 
days.  Lumber  and  timber,  aggregating  millions  of  feet,  and  a number  of  sawmills  have 
been  destroyed  by  the  angry  flames,  which  were  driven  at  a furious  speed  by  high 
winds. 

The  two  sections  of  Caldwell  that  seem  to  have  suffered  the  greatest  damages  from 
the  flames  are  the  Globe  and  Edgemont  communities. 

It  was  found  to  be  impossible  to  check  the  flames  on  the  mountain  sides,  so  fierce 
was  the  speed  at  which  they  raced,  a distance  of  some  five  miles  having  been  covered 
in  thirty-five  minutes,  it  is  asserted  on  good  authority. — News  and  Observer,  April 
26,  1916. 


BAD  FOREST  FIRE  HEAR  ASHEVILLE 

United  States  Fire  Wardens,  Assisted  by  1,000  Mountain  Citizens, 

Fight  Flames 


DAMAGE  HALF-MILLION 


Fire  Was  Approaching  Black  Mountain  and  Natives  Fighting  for  Homes  and  Timber 

Asheville,  May  9. — Starting  in  the  Murchison  boundary  in  Yancey  County  Friday 
afternoon  and  sweeping  thence  across  the  Perley  and  Crockett  boundaries  along  Mount 
Mitchell,  the  worst  forest  fire  in  the  history  of  Western  North  Carolina  leaped  across 
the  gap  at  North  Fork  this  afternoon  into  the  Asheville  watershed  and  tonight  is  raging 
in  that  section  with  1,000  men  from  Black  Mountain,  Marion,  Old  Fort,  Asheville,  Mon- 
treat, and  other  points  fighting  desperately  under  the  direction  of  United  States  fire 
wardens  employed  on  the  various  protected  districts. — Charlotte  Observer,  May  10,  1916. 

BLACK  MOUNTAIN  FIRE  NOW  UNDER  CONTROL 


Damage  Loss  Estimated  at  Half-Million — Shift  of  Wind  the  Danger 

Asheville,  May  10.- — Unless  there  is  a change  in  the  direction  of  the  wind  the  great 
forest  fire,  which  has  done  upwards  of  a half-million  dollars  damage  to  the  Asheville 
watershed  and  adjacent  property  beyond  Black  Mountain,  has  been  checked. 

The  fire  was  under  control  this  morning,  although  the  flame  fighters  remained  on 
the  grounds  until  this  afternoon.  Even  yet  there  are  several  hundred  men  watching 
that  no  further  outbreak  occurs. 

The  fire,  which  broke  into  the  watershed  property  between  Potato  Top  Mountain  and 
Toe  River  Gap,  burned  fiercely  in  the  spruce,  with  which  most  of  the  watershed  is 
timbered,  and  made  a difficult  fire  to  fight.  Back-firing  was  employed  in  most  instances 
and  by  10  o’clock  this  morning  the  flames  were  under  control. 

Accurate  estimates  of  the  damage  are  impossible,  but  officials  state  that  the  loss  will 
be  at  least  a half-million  dollars,  perhaps  more.  Strict  watch  is  being  kept  for  fear 
of  a shift  in  wind,  which  would  in  all  probability  start  the  flames  again. — Charlotte 
Observer,  May  11,  1916. 

2 


18 


Forest  Fires  in  North  Carolina 


SUNBURST  WAS  THREATENED  WITH  A FOREST  FIRE 

1 I 

Asheville,  May  8. — Sunburst,  a lumber  town  situated  in  Haywood  County,  a few 
miles  from  Canton,  was  seriously  threatened  yesterday  by  a forest  fire,  which  raged 
for  three  days  over  the  cut-over  lands  of  the  Champion  Lumber  Company. — Charlotte 
Observer,  May  9,  1916. 

FOREST  FIRES  ARE  RAGING  IN  RONDA  SECTION,  WILKES 

Elkin,  April  21. — Forest  fires  are  raging  in  Wilkes  County,  not  many  miles  from 
this  place.  The  fires  are  doing  the  worst  damage  in  the  big  woods  of  the  Ronda  section 
of  Wilkes.  Much  valuable  timber  has  already  been  destroyed  and  so  far  the  fire  fighters 
have  not  been  successful  in  extinguishing  the  flames.  Signs  of  rain  give  hope  to  those 
who  are  in  the  danger  zone. — Winston-Salem  Journal , April  22,  1916. 


FOREST  FIRES  RAGING  IN  IREDELL  COUNTY 

Statesville,  May  4. — Two  forests  in  the  southeastern  section  of  this  county  were 
burned  over  Wednesday  and  a third  fire  was  reported  as  doing  great  damage  in  Cham- 
bersburg  Township  yesterday.  All  the  men  and  boys  of  the  Shiloh  Church  community 
organized  yesterday  and  began  work  some  distance  ahead  of  the  fire,  raking  back 
leaves  and  clearing  an  area  across  one  of  the  big  tracts  of  timber  with  the  hope  of 
checking  the  flames  when  they  reached  that  point.  The  extent  of  the  damage  of  the 
fires  is  inestimable.  Time  only  can  tell  the  damage  to  the  growing  timber.  Much  cord- 
wood  which  was  cut  and  corded  has  been  burned  and  some  lumber,  but  so  far  as  known 
no  buildings  of  consequence  have  been  destroyed  in  this  section. — Twin  City  Daily 
Sentinel,  May  4,  1916. 

DESTRUCTIVE  FOREST  FIRES  IN  THE  GARLAND  SECTION 


Estimated  Loss  Between  $25,000  and  $50,000 — Large  Areas  Swept 

Garland,  N.  C.,  May  11.- — Loss  estimated  at  between  $25,000  and  $50,000  in  timber  and 
turpentine  resulted  from  forest  fires  which  raged  in  this  section  of  Sampson  County 
Sunday  afternoon,  sweeping  over  a section  of  about  ten  miles  long  and  five  miles  wide, 
destroying  a negro  church,  some  stables,  and  a barn,  but  no  residences,  though  a num- 
ber of  homes  were  threatened.  It  was  the  most  destructive  forest  fire  known  in  this 
section  in  many  years. — Wilmington  Star,  May  12,  1916. 


CUMBERLAND  MAN  DEAD  AS  RESULT  OF  FOREST  FIRES 


Disastrous  Conflagration  Raging  in  the  Fayetteville  Section  of  State. 

Fayetteville,  April  15. — One  man  is  dead  and  thousands  of  dollars  worth  of  prop- 
erty destroyed  by  a forest  fire  which  at  last  accounts  was  still  raging  in  Beaver  Dam 
and  Cedar  Creek  townships,  this  county.  Daniel  B.  Carter,  a well-known  farmer,  was 
overtaken  by  the  fire  while  he  was  walking  on  the  public  road  and  was  burned  to  death. 
The  home  of  Purdie  Hall,  with  all  its  contents,  wTas  burned.  The  fire  swept  a wide 
area  ten  miles  long  through  Cedar  Creek  and  Beaver  Darn  townships,  on  either  side 
of  the  highway  through  that  section. — News  and  Observer,  April  16,  1916. 

MUCH  DAMAGE  DONE  BY  FOREST  FIRES CHURCH  DESTROYED 

Considerable  damage  was  done  in  the  western  part  of  the  county  yesterday  by  fires, 
starting  from  brush-piles  and  spread  by  the  high  gale  which  blew  in  that  section 
during  the  day. 

Fire  broke  out  in  Rodman’s  Swamp  yesterday  and  destroyed  the  St.  James  Episcopal 
Church,  between  Pantego  and  Haslin,  one  of  the  oldest  Episcopal  churches  in  the 
county.  It  also  burned  to  the  ground  a tenement  house  on  the  farm  of  D.  Lesofsky  — 
Washington  News.  April  15,  1916. 


Forest  Fires  in  Korth  Carolina 


19 


CHURCH  WAS  BURNED 

Southport,  April  15. — Forest  fires  raged  in  several  sections  of  Brunswick  Friday, 
much  damage  being  done  to  fences  and  timber.  The  New  Hope  Methodist  Church, 
located  near  Seaside  in  the  southern  part  of  the  county,  was  totally  destroyed. — News 
and  Observer,  April  17,  1916. 


FOREST  FIRES  SWEEP  SECTION  HEAR  WILMIWGTOW 


Oldest  Citizens  Sat  They  Have  Hever  Before  Seen  Anything  Like  It 


VALUABLE  TIMBER  HAS  BEEN  DESTROYED 


Sawmill,  Church,  Farm  Buildings,  and  Small  Residences  Reduced  to  Ashes 

Great  forest  fires  are  raging  in  all  sections  of  the  country  contiguous  to  Wilmington, 
according  to  passengers  arriving  today  from  the  railroad  lines  leading  out  of  the  city. 

In  Pender,  Columbus,  Bladen,  Sampson,  and  Brunswick  counties  timber  valued  at 
untold  thousands  of  dollars  has  been  destroyed,  and  not  a few  buildings,  including 
at  least  one  sawmill,  a church,  many  negro  houses,  and  several  barns  and  stables. — 
Wilmington  Dispatch,  April  24,  1916. 


FOREST  FIRE  NOW  RAGES  IN  ONSLOW 


Flames  Destroy  Building  and  Tenement  Houses 

New  Bern,  N.  C.,  April  25. — One  of  the  most  disastrous  forest  fires  in  the  history  of 
that  section  is  now  raging  in  Onslow  County,  and  reports  from  all  parts  of  the  county 
are  to  the  effect  that  great  damage  is  being  done. 

Yesterday  afternoon  at  Dixon,  near  Jacksonville,  the  flames  destroyed  the  school- 
house  and  several  tenement  houses  owned  by  Mr.  W.  J.  Wilkins.  Thousands  of  dollars 
worth  of  damage  has  been  done  to  the  timber  growth  and  the  fire  is  still  burning 
fiercely. 

In  the  lower  part  of  Craven  County  and  in  Carteret  County  the  forest  fires  have 
gained  fresh  impetus  and  are  doing  great  damage.— Wilmington  Dispatch,  April  25,  1916. 


FOREST  FIRES  IN  PENDER 


Farmers  East  and  West  of  Bltrga’w  Suffer  Much  Loss — Fires  Swept  by  Wind 

Burgaw,  N.  C.,  April  13. — Great  damage  has  been  done  and  more  is  threatened  by  forest 
fires  which  have  been  raging  all  day  east  and  west  of  Burgaw.  Farmers  have  suffered 
great  loss.  A high  wind  has  prevailed  all  day  and,  the  woods  as  dry  as  they  are,  it 
has  been  impossible  to  stop  the  fires. — Wilmington  Star,  April  14,  1916. 

Speaking  of  the  damage  done  by  these  same  fires,  Mr.  B.  F.  Keith  of  Currie, 
Pender  County,  wrote  the  State  Forester  on  January  24,  1918,  in  part  as  follows: 

“I  had  occasion  to  travel  by  private  conveyance  last  summer  (1917)  from  St.  Pauls 
in  Robeson  County  to  my  home  in  Pender  County,  a distance  of  nearly  one  hundred 
miles,  and  was  not  out  of  sight  of  the  destruction  caused  by  the  fire  an  hour  at  a time 
from  St.  Pauls  to  my  home,  and  could  have  gone  fifty  miles  on  to  the  ocean  with  the 
destructive  course  of  the  fire.  The  same  thing  would  have  been  seen  had  I gone 
north  through  Cumberland,  Sampson,  Duplin,  and  Jones  counties,  or  I would  have 
seen  the  same  destructive  sight  by  going  through  Columbus  and  Brunswick  to  the 
ocean. 


20 


Forest  Fires  in  North  Carolina 


“It  is  true  this  vast  territory  was  burned  over  in  1916;  nevertheless,  the  forest,  old 
and  young,  was  almost  completely  destroyed,  and  it  will  take  at  least  a generation  for 
it  to  become  reforested.  Had  it  been  protected  as  it  should  have  been,  by  compulsory 
legislation,  the  State  and  its  citizens  would  have  been  saved  millions  of  dollars  yearly." 

FOREST  FIRES  DURING  THE  YEAR  1917 

Both,  the  spring  and  fall  fire  seasons  of  1917  were  considerably  below  the  average, 
both  in  length  and  in  seriousness  of  the  fire  risks.  This  was  partly  due  to  the 
large  amount  of  land  burned  over  in  1916,  but  also  largely  to  the  comparatively 
favorable  season.  Credit  must  be  given,  however,  to  the  increased  interest  of 
landowners  in  forest  protection  and  their  desire  to  prevent  a repetition  of  the  losses 
of  1916.  Probably  the  enormous  damage  suffered  the  previous  year  had  an  educa- 
tional value  in  enforcing  the  lessons  which  have  been  brought  out  in  a number  of 
ways  by  the  Survey,  the  Forestry  Association,  the  Women’s  Clubs,  and  other 
organizations. 

The  spring  fire  season  started  later  than  usual;  the  first  Federal  patrolman  not 
being  appointed  until  April  2.  The  chief  danger  season  ended  with  the  month  of 
May,  although  some  of  the  patrolmen  remained  on  duty  until  the  middle  of  June. 
Light  rains  occurred  throughout  the  danger  season ; the  longest  period  without  any 
rain  being  about  ten  days  in  the  middle  of  May.  Few  days  of  high  wind  were 
reported. 

The  fall  fire  season  did  not  start  until  early  in  November  and  was  over  by 
December  8,  lasting  only  about  five  weeks.  During  this  time  there  were,  in  most 
places,  a number  of  light  rains  or  snows  and  little  or  no  wind  was  experienced. 

The  township  correspondents  reported  that  58  per  cent  of  the  fires  occurred  dur- 
ing the  spring  months,  distributed  as  follows:  19  per  cent  in  March,  25  per  cent 
in  April  and  14  per  cent  in  May.  The  fall  fire  season  was  more  serious  than  usual 
in  the  mountains,  12  per  cent  of  the  mountain  fires  occurring  in  October  and 
19  per  cent  in  November.  Taking  the  State  as  a whole,  however,  only  22  per  cent 
of  the  fires  occurred  in  the  fall,  one-half  of  those  being  in  November. 


Forest  Fires  in  North  Carolina 


21 


Table  10.— FOREST  FIRES  IN  NORTH  CAROLINA  DURING  1917 
Summary  of  Reports  from  Correspondents  by  Counties 


Mountain  Region 


County 

Number  of 
Townships 
Reporting 

Number  of 
Replies  Re- 
ceived 

Number  of 
Fires 

Total  Number 
Acres  Burned 
Over 

Merchantable 
Timber 
Destroyed,  M. 

Value  of  Tim- 
ber Destroyed 

Acres  Young 
Growth  De- 
stroyed 

Value  Young 
Growth  De- 
stroyed 

Value  Products 
Destroyed 

Value  Im- 
provements 
Destroyed 

Cost  of 
Fighting  Fires 

Total  Damage 
Reported 

Alleghany 

6 

a 

5 

95 

81 

S 400 

30 

$ 50 

$1,200 

S 150 

S 235 

$ 1,800 

Ashe 

11 

16 

17 

565 

51 

395 

135 

550 

500 

2,125 

30 

3,570 

Avery 

5 

6 

8 

350 

220 

200 

200 

600 

200 

1,110 

115 

2,110 

Brunswick 

9 

16 

23 

1,050 

512 

2,060 

615 

2,325 

5,700 

775 

650 

10,860 

Burke 

9 

15 

43 

1,277 

578 

1,375 

570 

2,700 

2,702 

2,200 

320 

8,977 

Caldwell. 

12 

26 

50 

2,885 

2,296 

6,205 

1,943 

5,250 

11,950 

3,575 

582 

26,980 

Cherokee 

4 

8 

46 

2,100 

130 

415 

480 

700 

250 

180 

50 

1,545 

Clay 

5 

10 

21 

3,400 

200 

850 

325 

1,250 

25 

100 

240 

2,225 

Graham 

2 

2 

3 

1,200 

200 

400 

1,100 

6,000 

1,000 

50 

125 

7,450 

Haywood.. 

9 

20 

59 

10,099 

290 

1,150 

628 

2,190 

5,500 

800 

1,140 

9,640 

Henderson 

7 

13 

23 

5,910 

535 

1,350 

4,710 

12,250 

4,950 

300 

285 

18,850 

Jackson. 

10 

15 

60 

3,445 

250 

915 

1,155 

1,850 

13,200 

800 

375 

16,765 

Macon 

10 

14 

16 

798 

15 

60 

235 

550 

3,041 

500 

61 

4,151 

Madison  

13 

22 

8 

250 

125 

100 

100 

McDowell 

9 

15 

30 

3,177 

45 

145 

1,389 

2,795 

2,000 

’ 77 

4,950 

Mitchell 

10 

15 

ii 

2,164 

2,570 

1,175 

33 

250 

125 

1,025 

35 

2,575 

Polk 

5 

11 

26 

3,935 

415 

1,300 

3,557 

810 

3,500 

6,250 

850 

11,860 

Rutherford 

8 

18 

28 

1,630 

78 

280 

70 

540 

200 

10 

1,020 

Surry 

13 

32 

76 

811 

100 

15,330 

221 

1,340 

8,855 

2,275 

245 

27,800 

Swain 

2 

3 

38 

3,000 

10 

50 

540 

5,600 

8,100 

500 

200 

14,250 

8 

9 

94 

6,661 

410 

2,080 

625 

2,200 

5,000 

1,002 

9,280 

Watauga 

10 

15 

17 

189 

185 

830 

135 

50,450 

510 

300 

105 

52,090 

Wilkes 

22 

38 

43 

10,151 

44 

195 

5,112 

10,260 

325 

255 

830 

11,025 

Yancey 

9 

17 

14 

1,031 

413 

1,660 

70 

250 

1,200 

200 

92 

3,310 

Totals 

208 

367 

759 

66,173 

9,628 

38,820 

24,003 

110,860 

80,033 

23,470 

7,654 

253,183 

22 


Forest  Fires  in  North  Carolina 


Table  11.— FOREST  FIRES  IN  NORTH  CAROLINA  DURING  1917 
Summary  of  Reports  from  Correspondents  by  Counties 


Piedmont  Region 


County 

Number  of 
To'wnships 
Reporting 

Number  of 
Replies  Re- 
ceived 

Number  of 
Fires 

Total  Number 
Acres  Burned 
Over 

Merchantable 
Timber 
Destroyed,  M. 

Value  of  Tim- 
ber Destroyed 

Acres  Young 
Growth  De- 
stroyed 

Value  Young 
Growth  De- 
stroyed 

Value  Products 
Destroyed 

Value  Im- 
provements 
Destroyed 

01 

_ 

-i 

gfjj 

Gli 

O 

tl 

’c2  3 

7 

15 

4 

50 

5 

S 25 

6 

s 250 

s_ 

S 300 

S 100 

3 

4 

1 

8 

10 

2 

9 

9 

208 

107 

723 

5 

6 

6 

47 

30 

250 

250 

71 

11 

Chatham 

6 

8 

26 

155 

4 

11 

52 

630 

225 

1,200 

60 

2,066 

Cleveland 

10 

15 

30 

614 

215 

802 

75 

900 

1,750 

25 

15 

2,477 

Davidson 

12 

22 

31 

200 

52 

285 

101 

870 

850 

1,400 

252 

2,405 

7 

12 

6 

53 

10 

50 

40 

630 

820 

3 

4 

9 

12 

6 

80 

250 

400 

20 

200 

6 

8 

4 

125 

95 

1,100 

300 

1,400 

5 

7 

11 

40 

4 

200 

40 

150 

350 

700 

Granville 

6 

8 

14 

556 

26 

650 

25 

650 

Guilford 

9 

14 

32 

255 

175 

225 

51 

150 

200 

1,000 

100 

1,575 

Iredell 

6 

9 

8 

26 

6 

40 

3 

50 

160 

25 

5 

275 

4 

7 

13 

5 

10 

13 

18 

7 

13 

20 

100 

8 

60 

200 

Moore 

8 

13 

38 

1,925 

110 

1,140 

1,765 

7,210 

500 

250 

170 

9,100 

8 

17 

40 

2,515 

35 

150 

1,625 

4,837 

600 

Orange 

4 

5 

8 

4 

4 

60 

60 

6 

9 

2 

6 

2 

Randolph 

15 

23 

40 

1,388 

204 

317 

763 

1,590 

1,800 

1,700 

170 

5,407 

Rockingham 

8 

11 

16 

17 

6 

25 

100 

Rowan 

10 

23 

36 

165 

20 

550 

52 

1,240 

815 

300 

175 

2,905 

Stanly 

7 

11 

24 

38 

18 

so 

17 

58 

610 

40 

67 

788 

Stokes 

5 

7 

57 

110 

25 

100 

105 

5,025 

500 

2,500 

500 

8,125 

Union 

6 

8 

8 

310 

300 

1,010 

800 

500 

Vance 

7 

8 

10 

1 

150 

150 

Wake 

7 

8 

11 

57 

25 

600 

900 

350 

1,850 

Warren 

9 

ii 

84 

1,052 

1 

45 

474 

3,400 

2,000 

500 

200 

5,945 

Yadkin 

8 

12 

30 

21 

150 

100 

10 

250 

Totals 

239 

366 

605 

9,819 

960 

4,445 

5,739 

30,673 

13,215 

11,945 

2,521 

56.918 

Forest  Fires  in  North  Carolina 


23 


Table  12.— FOREST  FIRES  IN  NORTH  CAROLINA  DURING  1917 
Summary  of  Reports  from  Correspondents  by  Counties 


Coastal  Plain  Region 


County 

Number  of 
Townships 
Reporting 

Number  of 
Replies  Re- 
ceived 

Number  of 
Fires 

Total  Number 
Acres  Burned 
Over 

Merchantable 
Timber 
Destroyed,  M. 

Value  of  Tim- 
ber Destroyed 

Acres  Young 
Growth  De- 
stroyed 

Value  Young 
Growth  De- 
stroyed 

Value  Products 
Destroyed 

Value  Im- 
provements 
Destroyed 

Cost  of 
Fighting  Fires 

Total  Damage 
Reported 

Beaufort 

2 

4 

2 

30 

$ 

S 

s 

S 

s 

$ 

Bertie  

7 

10 

4 

230 

100 

500 

80 

500 

5,300 

200 

35 

6,500 

Bladen... 

10 

12 

16 

9,875 

5,435 

12,175 

2,075 

2,125 

14,700 

1,000 

580 

29,990 

Brunswick 

2 

3 

9. 

275 

25 

10 

100 

200 

325 

Camden 

2 

3 

Carteret 

1 

2 

1 

1 I 1 

1 

1 

1 

i i 

Columbus 

10 

14 

83 

8,490 

857 

1,923 

3,775 

10,450 

20,465 

8,400 

1,475 

41,238 

Craven 

2 

Cumberland 

4 

6 

Currituck 

5 

9 

6 

600 

2,000 

210 

50 

2,050 

Dare 

3 

4 

Duplin.. 

4 

4 

4 

350 

2,100 

150 

550 

250 

100 

2,900 

Edgecombe 

9 

12 

13 

336 

202 

610 

312 

3,200 

75,000 

10 

5 

78,820 

Gates 

2 

2 

1 

10 

30 

5 

50 

30 

10 

110 

Greene 

5 

6 

4 

20 

5 

20 

10 

300 

400 

100 

100 

820 

Halifax 

5 

7 

15 

2,705 

25 

125 

70 

4,100 

500 

800 

6,525 

Harnett 

8 

ii 

23 

1,852 

5 

15 

347 

725 

350 

150 

12 

1,240 

Hertford 

5 

1 

2 

Hoke... 

2 

2 

6 

3,950 

520 

1,060 

6,000 

9 

150 

7,062 

Hyde 

3 

7 

8 

100 

Johnston 

10 

14 

41 

650 

60 

300 

515 

2,705 

2,800 

5,200 

500 

11,005 

Jones. 

4 

4 

Lenoir.  

7 

7 

41 

504 

265 

2,100 

320 

3,740 

2,300 

500 

260 

8,640 

Martin 

5 

7 

8 

2,515 

20 

40 

2,520 

2,500 

2,500 

500 

100 

5,540 

Nash 

12 

13 

29 

1,235 

20 

100 

1,145 

6,380 

1,350 

180 

7,130 

1 

3 

60 

30 

300 

300 

4 

5 

1 

Onslow 

4 

5 

26 

1,700 

150 

600 

1,100 

2,300 

200 

100 

250 

3,200 

3 

4 

5 

6 

1 

2 

2 

50 

50 

Pender 

7 

9 

11 

10,005 

10,005 

60,025 

50,000 

10,000 

2,025 

125,025 

Perquimans 

2 

2 

Pitt 

9 

11 

1 

1 

Richmond 

7 

10 

58 

3,210 

235 

450 

400 

2,295 

2,050 

3,000 

175 

7,795 

Robeson. 

13 

18 

65 

2,070 

210 

900 

1,310 

4,540 

1,800 

525 

525 

7,765 

Sampson 

8 

10 

4 

710 

75 

117 

700 

5,525 

1,600 

50 

no 

7,292 

Scotland 

1 

1 

1 

300 

1,000 

1,000 

Tyrrell 

3 

4 

1 

3 

6 

2 

1 

Wayne 

7 

ii 

i 

500 

250 

1,000 

150 

500 

1,500 

100 

50 

3,100 

Wilson 

3 

4 

• 

Totals 

212 

283 

489 

52,281 

8,999 

26.195 

25,291 

114,010 

189,095 

30,837 

6,527 

365,622 

24 


Forest  Fires  in  North  Carolina 


Table  13.— FOREST  FIRES  IN  NORTH  CAROLINA  DURING  1917 
Comparative  Statement  of  Averages  by  Regions  for  1917  and  for  Nine  Years 


Mountain 

Piedmont 

Coastal  Plain 

State 

1917 

Average 

for 

9 Years 

1917 

Average 

for 

9 Years 

1917 

Average 

for 

9 Years 

1917 

Average 

for 

9 Years 

Percentage  of  townships  reporting. 

79 

52 

64 

48 

55 

41 

65 

47 

Average  area  of  each  fire,  in  acres- 

87 

674 

17 

328 

102 

577 

69 

506 

Average  damage  by  each  fire 

Average  area  burned  over  per 

S 457.00 

81,076.00 

S 103.00 

.$  590.00 

S 736.00 

$1,178.00 

$ 367.00 

$ 950.00 

township  reporting,  in  acres 

317 

*1,153 

i l 42 

*516 

245 

*1,348 

194 

*919 

Average  damage  per  acre  burnt 
Average  damage  per  township 

8 3.85 

$ 1.91 

$ 6.00 

$ 2.37 

$ 6.92 

S 2.54 

$ 5.18 

% 2.19 

reporting 

$1,211.00 

$2,797.00 

$ 251.80 

$ 778.00 

$1,227.00 

§2,515 .00 

$1,021.00 

$1,941.00 

'Average  for  eight  years;  no  township  figures  for  1909. 


Even  the  fires  of  1917  were  not  without  their  toll  of  life.  The  following  is 
clipped  from  the  Charlotte  Observer: 

YOUNG  BOY  KILLED  BY  FALLING  TREE 

“Salisbury,  May  29. — Everett  Carrigan,  14-year-old  son  of  Sam  A.  Carrigan,  of  Mill 
Bridge,  Rowan  County,  is  dead  as  a result  of  injuries  received  when  a tree  fell  on  him. 
The  boy  with  other  people  was  in  a piece  of  woods  where  a fire  had  been  burning,  and 
when  he  went  to  push  down  a tree  that  had  been  partially  burned  it  fell  on  him, 
badly  mashing  his  back  and  otherwise  injuring  him  so  that  he  died.” 

The  most  notable  thing  in  the  forest  fire  figures  for  1917  is  the  large  increase  in 
the  number  of  fires,  without,  at  the  same  time,  increasing  the  total  area  burned 
over.  As  a matter  of  fact,  a smaller  area  was  burned  over  than  in  any  previous 
year  during  which  figures  have  been  secured.  This  large  increase  in  the  number 
of  fires  is  chiefly  due  to  the  reporting  of  small  fires  as  well  as  large  ones,  in 
response  to  a change  in  the  question  blank.  Nearly  30  per  cent  of  the  fires  re- 
ported were  Class  A fires  or  those  which  covered  less  than  one-fourth  of  an  acre. 
Heretofore,  most  correspondents  have  considered  such  fires  too  imimportant  to 
mention,  so  that  the  reporting  of  them  is  a new  departure.  Unless,  therefore, 
allowance  is  made  for  this  change-  the  total  number  of  fires  is  liable  to  appear 
out  of  all  proportion  to  the  seriousness  of  the  fire  season. 

The  gradual  increase  in  the  total  damage  per  acre  is  very  noticeable.  This  is 
due  to  the  rapidly  increasing  value  of  the  stumpage  and  of  the  products  of  the 
forest,  as  well  as  to  the  growing  realization  throughout  the  State  that  fire  does 
a large  amount  of  damage.  Not  only  the  township  correspondents  who  send  in 
the  reports,  but  the  landowners  who  suffer  from  fire,  place  an  increasing  value 
on  the  material  destroyed.  The  landowner  is  recognizing  his  fire  losses,  and  all 
over  the  State  those  who  own  land  are  anxious  to  prevent  fires.  There  is,  however, 
still  a large  element  who  are  indifferent  to  fires,  because  they  are  not  directly 
affected  by  them. 

The  average  annual  damage  for  each  township  reporting  amounts  to  nearly 
$2,000.  This  average  applies  to  a steadily  increasing  proportion  of  the  townships, 
with  an  average  of  one-half  of  them;  though  at  the  present  time  two-thirds  of 
the  townships  have  reported  either  fires  or  no  fires.  It  is  strange,  when  one  comes 
to  think  of  it,  that  an  annual  loss  of  $2,000  per  township  passes  unnoticed  and  no 


Forest  Fires  in  North  Carolina 


25 


complaint  is  made  about  it;  whereas  if  that  amount  were  added  to  the  taxes  of 
each  township  there  would  be  nothing  short  of  a revolution  in  North  Carolina. 

REVIEW  OF  THE  PAST  THREE  TEARS 

The  figures  published  in  Economic  Paper  No.  40,  “Forest  Fires  in  North  Caro- 
lina During  1914,”  included  the  average  figures  extending  over  the  previous  six 
years.  Comparison  with  those  earlier  estimates  would  now  be,  in  many  cases, 
misleading,  because  the  basis  upon  which  the  data  is  compiled  has  been  changed. 
With  the  transfer  of  the  seven  counties  lying  on  the  eastern  slope  of  the  Blue 
Ridge  from  the  Piedmont  to  the  Mountain  region,  a modification  of  the  old 
classification  has  become  necessary.  Table  14  has,  therefore,  been  prepared  show- 
ing the  total  and  average  figures  for  the  three-year  period  covered  by  this  report. 
In  future  reports  this  summary  will  probably  be  used  as  the  basis  from  which  to 
work.  In  this  table  all  figures  relating  to  area  and  damage,  which  are  in  most 
cases  of  necessity  only  estimates  of  the  individual  local  correspondents,  are  ex- 
pressed for  the  sake  of  convenience  in  round  numbers. 


26 


Forest  Fires  in  jSTorth  Carolina 


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Forest  Fires  in  jSTorth  Carolina 


27 


The  General  Assembly  of  1915  enacted  a Forestry  Lair,  said  by  the  United 
States  Forest  Service  to  be  one  of  the  best  State  forest  fire  laws  in  the  United 
States.  At  the  same  time,  however,  the  appropriation  designed  to  put  this  law 
into  effect  was  cut  out  of  the  bill.  The  Legislature  of  1917  likewise  failed  to 
make  any  provision  for  forest  fire  fighting,  defeating  a bill  to  provide  an  appro- 
priation for  this  purpose,  even  after  the  total  amount  had  been  cut  down  to  a 
meagre  $5,000  annually.  If  the  State  had  been  enabled  to  put  the  forest  fire  law 
into  force  there  is  no  douht  that  much  of  the  $3,640,000  loss  of  1916  could  have 
been  prevented. 

It  is,  however,  in  average  fire  seasons  that  the  quickest  effect  of  fire  protective 
measures  may  be  seen.  The  seasons  of  1915  and  1917  were,  if  anything,  below 
the  average  in  fire  risks,  and  yet  the  average  damage  by  fires  for  these  two  years 
was  practically  the  same  as  the  average  for  the  previous  six  years.  If  the  appro- 
priation of  $20,000  asked  for  had  been  made,  it  can  hardly  be  doubted  that  the 
fire  damage  would  have  been  reduced  25  to  50  per  cent.  It  is  estimated  that 
$17,000  was  spent  each  of  these  years  by  private  parties  in  fighting  fires;  if  a 
similar  amount  had  been  spent  by  the  State  in  trying  to  prevent  them,  much 
greater  immediate  as  well  as  permanent  results  would  have  been  obtained. 

CAUSES  OF  FOREST  FIRES 

In  order  to  simplify  the  reporting  of  the  causes  of  forest  fires,  and  at  the  same 
time  to  harmonize  our  reports  with  those  made  by  the  Federal  Government  relat- 
ing to  fires  on  the  National  Forests  in  this  State,  a new  and  somewhat  shorter 
arrangement  of  causes  has  been  made.  This  has  necessitated  the  making  of 
averages  to  cover  only  the  past  three  years,  or  the  period  included  in  this  report. 
As  the  results  correspond  almost  exactly  with  the  averages  for  the  previous  six 
years,  practically  no  weight  of  evidence  is  lost.  As  a matter  of  fact,  these  figures 
are  more  accurate  than  those  in  previous  reports,  because  in  nearly  all  cases  they 
refer  to  fires  which  actually  occurred  instead  of  embodying  the  opinion  of  the 
township  correspondents  as  to  what  were  the  chief  causes  of  forest  fires  in  their 
townships. 

Table  15— CAUSES  OF  FOREST  FIRES  IN  NORTH  CAROLINA 
Averages  for  the  Three  Years  1915,  1916  and  1917  in  Percentages 


Causes 

Mountain 

Piedmont 

Coastal 

Plain 

State 

2S.0 

38.0 

21.0 

28.0 

14.0 

6.0 

9.0 

10.0 

3.0 

2.0 

2.0 

2.0 

13.0 

22.0 

18.0 

17.0 

11.0 

11.0 

16.0 

13.0 

6.0 

2.0 

6.0 

5.0 

5 

1.0 

1 .5 

1.0 

2.0 

5.0 

5.0 

4.0 

22.5 

13.0 

21.5 

20.0 

The  most  startling  fact  brought  out  by  this  table  is  the  very  large  proportion  of 
fires  set  by  carelessly  burning  brush.  These  are  nearly  all  set  by  farmers  who  own 
the  land  or  by  renters  for  whom  the  landowners  are  responsible.  Thirty-eight  per 
cent  of  the  fires  in  the  Piedmont  region  of  the  State  are  attributed  to  this  cause 
alone,  while  taking  the  State  as  a whole,  28  per  cent  of  the  fires  result  from  this 


28 


Fobest  Fibes  in  Hobth  Carolina 


cause.  The  State  law  expressly  says  that  all  persons  “who  set  fire  to  or  burn  any 
brush,  grass,  or  other  material  whereby  any  property  may  be  endangered  or  de- 
stroyed. shall  keep  and  maintain  a careful  and  competent  watchman  in  charge  of 
said  . . . brush  or  other  material  while  burning.  Fire  escaping  from  such 
. brush  or  other  material  while  burning  shall  be  'priwu  facie  evidence  of 
neglect  of  these  provisions.”  This  law  is  about  as  strong  as  it  can  be  made,  and  yet 
practically  no  prosecutions  have  been  made  under  it.  This  is  because  the  State  has 
been  unable  to  appoint  wardens  to  secure  evidence  and  to  bring  such  actions.  To 
show  that  it  can  be  done,  however,  the  following  account  of  a recent  case  is  here 
given : 

On  the  morning  of  April  6th  a negro  employee  or  renter  on  a farm  not  far  from 
Black  Mountain  was  preparing  land  to  cultivate  that  had  not  been  used  for  several 
years.  He  set  fire  to  a pile  of  brush  on  the  edge  of  some  brushland,  not  more  than 
20  yards  from  the  woods  proper,  when  only  he  and  his  father  were  present.  The 
fire  escaped  to  the  woods  almost  immediately,  and  the  two  men  were  unable  to  stop 
it,  although  they  fought  it  until  it  was  discovered  by  a Federal  patrolman  who  had 
been  appointed  by  the  State  Forester  to  cooperate  with  the  Mount  Mitchell  Forest 
Protective  Association  in  that  region.  The  patrolman  at  once  secured  an  automo- 
bile and  reached  the  fire  with  four  men  by  10  o’clock.  The  fire  was  well  under 
control  by  2 o’clock,  but  owing  to  the  very  high  wind  and  dry  conditions,  the  men 
were  kept  on  the  job  until  late  that  night  in  order  to  be  sure  that  everything  was 
extinguished.  One  of  the  two  negroes  helped  fight  the  fire  throughout  the  day. 
About  20  acres  of  merchantable  timberland  and  30  acres  of  second-growth  land  was 
burned  over,  none  of  this  having  previously  been  burned.  The  damage  was  esti- 
mated at  $10  per  acre,  or  a total  of  $500.  The  men  had  not  left  the  fire,  because 
it  got  out  almost  immediately.  The  negro  was  prosecuted,  however,  because  he  had 
set  fire  on  land  without  first  notifying  the  adjoining  property  owners,  and  because 
he  had  not  used  proper  precautions  to  prevent  the  spread  of  the  fire.  He  submit- 
ted and  confessed  to  setting  the  fire,  and  was  convicted  under  section  8 of  the 
Forestry  Law.  As  this  was  his  first  offense,  he  was  given  the  minimum  fine  of  $10 
and  costs,  which  was  a sufficient  warning  to  be  more  careful  another  time.  A law 
which  can  be  enforced  against  a negro  should  be  equally  effective  against  a white 
man  or  any  one  else  who  commits  a similar  offense. 

Perhaps  the  second  most  striking  feature  of  the  above  table  is  the  small  and  de- 
creasing percentage  of  incendiary  fires.  There  were  6 per  cent  of  such  fires 
reported  in  1915,  4.5  per  cent  in  1916,  and  4 per  cent  in  1917.  This,  in  one  way,  is 
a fine  record,  showing  that  the  criminal  desire  to  injure  people  by  burning  their 
woods  is  only  present  in  isolated  instances.  On  the  other  hand,  however,  it  is  an 
indictment  of  our  people  on  their  almost  criminal  carelessness.  Hinety-five  per 
cent  of  our  fires  are  the  result  of  carelessness,  and  could  with  proper  precautions  be 
prevented.  Is  it  not  time  for  the  people,  through  their  representatives  in  the 
Legislature,  to  take  some  definite  and  effective  steps  to  prevent  this  overwhelming 
proportion  of  careless  fires  ? 

CLASSIFICATION  OF  FOBEST  FIRES 

The  question  of  control  is  one  of  the  chief  factors  in  determining  whether  the 
fire  is  a forest  fire  or  not.  The  size  of  the  fire  does  not  enter  into  the  question.  A 
fire  set  in  the  leaves  by  the  spark  from  a passing  locomotive  is  a forest  fire  even 
though  it  only  burns  over  a few  square  yards.  On  the  other  hand,  a fire  set  pur- 


Forest  Fires  in  Xorth  Carolina 


29 


posely  to  burn  off  a new-ground  is  not  a forest  fire  even  if  it  covers  many  acres,  pro- 
vided those  who  set  it  have  taken  adequate  steps  to  keep  it  from  going  beyond  tbe 
area  wbicb  it  was  intended  to  burn  and  have  succeeded  in  doing  so. 

Tbe  fire  purposely  set  by  tbe  owner  or  agent  of  a tract  of  woodland,  either  to 
improve  tbe  range  or  to  protect  tbe  larger  timber,  should  not  be  reported  as  a forest 
fire,  provided  tbe  land  so  burned  is  what  was  intended  to  be  burned  and  no  more, 
and  provided  the  fire  was  at  all  times  under  tbe  control  of  those  who  set  it.  On 
tbe  other  band,  a fire  set  on  some  one  else’s  land  without  tbe  consent  of  the  owner, 
whether  for  tbe  purpose  of  improving  tbe  range  or  with  tbe  object  of  injuring  the 
owner,  is  a forest  fire,  and  should  be  so  reported.  A camp-fire  in  tbe  woods  is  not 
a forest  fire,  but  if  fire  escapes  from  it  and  is  at  any  time  beyond  tbe  control  of  those 
who  are  present  and  allowing  it  to  escape,  it  becomes  a forest  fire. 

To  assist  forest  officers  and  others  in  reporting  on  tbe  causes  of  forest  fires,  tbe 
United  States  Forest  Service  has  drawn  up  tbe  following  standard  of  classification, 
wbicb  is  now  used  in  all  of  its  reports  on  forest  fires.  As  this  same  classification  is 
used,  with  only  slight  modifications,  in  this  report,  and  will  likewise  be  used  in 
future  reports,  it  is  here  printed  in  full.  All  voluntary  correspondents,  fire  ward- 
ens, and  patrolmen  should  study  this  classification  carefully  so  that  future  reports 
may  be  as  uniform  as  possible. 

instructions  for  reporting  the  causes  of  forest  fires 

The  standard  classification  used  by  the  Forest  Service  for  reporting  the  causes  of 
forest  fires  is  as  follows: 

Lightning. — Fires  the  origin  of  which  is  directly  traceable  to  lightning. 

Railroads. — Fires  incidental  to  the  construction,  operation,  or  maintenance  of  com- 
mon carrier  railroads.  (This  includes  fires  from  sparks  or  cinders  from  all  locomo- 
tive or  construction  engines,  from  lighted  cigars,  etc.,  thrown  from  car  windows,  from 
the  clearing  of  rights  of  way,  or  from  the  individual  carelessness  of  any  employee  or 
passenger.) 

Lumbering. — Fires  incidental  to  all  lumbering  operations.  (This  includes  fires  caused 
by  sawmill  or  donkey  engines  and  logging  railroad  locomotives,  except  on  such  logging 
railroads  as  are  common  carriers;  and  by  the  carelessness  of  all  lumbering  employees.) 

Brush  Burning.- — Fires  caused  by  clearing  lands  for  any  purpose  (other  than  for 
rights  of  way  for  common  carrier  railroads,  and  brush  burning  in  lumbering  opera- 
tions), or  by  rubbish,  garbage,  range,  stubble,  or  meadow  burning,  and  by  burning  out 
animals,  insects,  or  reptiles. 

Campers. — Fires  resulting  in  any  manner  from  carelessness  of  campers,  stockmen, 
prospectors,  picnickers,  surveyors,  berry  pickers,  hunters,  fishermen,  automobilists, 
tramps,  and  other  travelers  through  the  forest.  (In  North  Carolina  we  might  add 
wagoners,  and  galax  gatherers.) 

Incendiary. — All  fires  maliciously  set,  regardless  of  whether  or  not  they  can  be  classi- 
fied under  one  of  the  above  heads. 

Miscellaneous. — All  fires  the  origin  of  which  is  known,  but  which  cannot  be  properly 
classified  under  any  of  the  above  heads. 

Unknown. — All  fires  the  origin  of  which  cannot  be  determined  with  such  degree  of 
certainty  as  would  justify  their  inclusion  under  any  other  head. 

According  to  the  above  classification,  all  fires  caused  by  tbe  carelessness  of  Hunt- 
ers are  classed  under  “Campers,”  but  those  set  by  Hunters  to  drive  game  either  from 
a hollow  tree  or  a thicket  are  classed  under  “Brush  Burning.”  In  Table  15  the 
fires  caused  by  hunters  must,  therefore,  be  added  to  those  attributed  to  campers  to 
make  the  classification  exactly  tally  with  the  Forest  Service  standard. 

Regarding  the  causes  of  forest  fires  and  the  gratifying  reduction  in  the  number 
of  fires  in  certain  townships,  the  following  comments  and  remarks  will  be  of  inter- 


30 


Forest  Fires  in  North  Carolina 


est.  A correspondent  in  Wilkes  County  says:  “More  fires  are  caused  by  burning 
plant-beds  and  by  night  hunters  than  any  other.  We  should  have  a law  prohibiting 
careless  night  hunters  carrying  pine  torches.”  The  free  ranging  of  live  stock  as  an 
indirect  cause  of  forest  fires  is  referred  to  in  two  reports.  A fire  in  Robeson  County 
was  attributed  to  “neighbor  burning  to  graze  a cow  on  the  young  grass” ; while  from 
Polk  County,  on  the  other  hand,  a correspondent  writes  that  “Since  we  have  had 
stock  law,  forest  fires  are  a thing  of  the  past.  Before  that,  people  would  fire  the 
woods,  thinking  that  would  make  the  grass  grow  for  the  stock.”  Another  corre- 
spondent in  Polk  County  says : “As  a rule,  the  blockade  distillers  kept  the  woods 

burning  in  the  spring  to  keep  the  smoke  of  their  furnace  from  being  discovered. 
Corn  was  so  scarce,  however,  last  year  and  prices  so  high  that  there  was  but  small 
moonshine  in  operation.”  A correspondent  from  Madison  County  also  mentions 
this  cause  of  fire  when  he  reports  one : “Supposed  to  be  started  by  illicit  distillers.” 

A small  fire  in  Macon  County  was  said  to  be  started  by  “a  match  from  the  pipe  of 
the  mail  man” ; while  one  in  Richmond  County  escaped  from  a burning  tar-kiln. 

That  the  citizens  themselves  are  taking  some  interest  in  the  matter  is  shown  from 
reports  from  Wilkes  County.  “The  damage  by  fire  was  small,  owing  to  tbe  wet  or 
damp  season  and  to  the  extra  cautioning  of  sawmill  men  by  some  of  tbe  citizens. 
At  one  time  last  April  we  stopped  the  sawmills  for  a week  or  more.  It  got  so  dry 
we  served  notice  on  men  who  had  new-grounds  not  to  burn  until  it  rained.  It  bad  a 
good  effect.  We  are  trying  to  get-  people  educated  to  the  danger  of  fire  and  how  to 
handle  it.”  A correspondent  in  another  township  of  Wilkes  County  writes : “The 
citizens  of  our  township  are  getting  more  careful  with  fire,  and  when  fire  breaks 
out  they  gather  quickly  to  fight  and  subdue  it  before  it  gets  great  headway.  If  the 
winds  do  not  fan  the  flames  they  can  get  it  under  control  before  great  damage  is 
done,  but  if  very  dry  and  windy  there  is  very  little  chance  to  control  it  in  this  moun- 
tainous section  without  great  damage.  The  laws  should  be  more  severe  regarding 
careless  burnings.”  Reports  from  three  other  Blue  Ridge  counties  show  a decided 
improvement  in  opinion  and  conditions.  From  Rutherford  we  hear : “Quite  a num- 
ber of  our  good  citizens  are  awake  on  forest  fires,  and  their  influence  is  decidedly 
beneficial  to  our  country” ; from  Polk  County : “It  seems  that  people  have  been 
more  careful  about  fires  during  the  last  year” ; while  a Caldwell  correspondent  in- 
dorses the  new  Forestry  Law  as  follows:  “We  had  fewer  fires  last  year  than  have 
ever  been  known  in  our  township,  due  to  the  recent  law  against  burning  brush. 
That’s  a great  law !” 


PRESENT  STATUS  OF  FOREST  FIRE  PREVENTION  IN  NORTH  CAROLINA 


STATE  FOREST  FIRE  PREVENTION 

Until  the  passage  of  the  Forestry  Law  in  1915,  little  or  no  actual  protection  could 
he  carried  out,  because  there  was  no  law  that  specially  empowered  the  State  Forester 
or  any  other  official  to  do  this  work.  Propaganda  had  been  carried  on  by  the  State 
Geological  and  Economic  Survey  by  means  of  publications,  addresses,  and  corre- 
spondence, and  this,  of  course,  has  been  continued  and  enlarged. 

THE  STATE  FOREST  LAW 

Since  the  passage  of  the  Forest  Fire  Law  (chapter  243,  Public  Laws  of  1915)  a 
new  era  has  begun  in  spite  of  the  fact  that  no  money  has  been  appropriated  for 
carrying  out  its  provisions.  This  law,  in  brief,  provides : 

1.  That  the  State  Geological  and  Economic  Survey  shall  be  charged  with  the  duty 
of  the  prevention  and  control  of  forest  fires  in  the  State. 

2.  That  the  State  Forester  shall  be  State  Forest  Warden  and  shall  administer  the 
law,  with  the  approval  of  the  Geological  Board. 

3.  That  he  shall  appoint  and  have  supervision  of  township  and  district  forest 
wardens  in  such  townships  as  he  may  deem  necessary. 

4.  That  these  forest  wardens  shall,  in  their  various  districts,  have  charge  of 
measures  controlling  forest  fires,  etc.  That  they  shall  he  empowered  to  arrest 
offenders  and  to  require  outside  assistance  in  fighting  fires.  They  are  to  put  up 
posters  warning  against  forest  fires,  to  be  provided  by  the  State  Forester,  and  are 
to  be  supplied  with  suitable  badges. 

The  law  also  strengthens  the  old  Forest  Fire  Law,  thus  making  it  much  more 
effective.  According  to  this  new  law,  it  is  unlawful  to  “set  fire  to  any  grass-land, 
brush-land,  or  woodland,  except  it  be  his  own  property,  or,  in  that  case,  without  first 
giving  notice”  to  neighbors ; and  it  is  required  that  such  fires  must  be  watched  while 
burning  and  “effectual  care”  taken  to  extinguish  such  fires  before  they  reach  the 
land  of  others.  Wagoners,  hunters,  and  campers  are  required  to  clear  a space  of 
ten  feet  surrounding  their  fire  and  to  “fully  extinguish”  the  fire  before  leaving  it. 
Every  one  who  burns  brush,  grass,  or  other  material,  or  charcoal  or  tar-kilns,  must 
watch  such  fire  and  absolutely  prevent  its  escape. 

Although  no  money  has  been  made  available  for  the  enforcement  of  this  law,  the 
Survey,  with  the  help  of  its  own  very  limited  funds,  has  done  all  it  possibly  could  to 
carry  out  the  letter  and  spirit  of  the  law.  The  principal  features  of  the  work  at 
the  present  time  are  the  printing  and  distribution  of  posters,  the  appointment  of 
State  Forest  Wardens,  and  the  cooperation  with  the  Federal  Government  and  with 
local  fire  protective  associations,  in  the  appointment  and  direction  of  Federal 
patrolmen,  and  oversight  of  such  associations. 

POSTERS 

Since  the  passage  of  the  law  and  up  to  the  present  time  (Way,  1918)  the  Survey 
has  had  printed  and  distributed  a thousand  or  more  copies  of  each  of  the  following 
posters  warning  against  forest  fires.  The  titles  only  of  the  placards  are  given  here; 


32 


Forest  Fires  in  Horth  Carolina 


the  rest  of  the  reading  matter  usually  consists  of  brief  warnings  and  directions  or 
passages  from  the  forest  law. 

i ~ \ > n 

1.  HELP!  HELP! 

THE  COOPERATION  OF  ALL  GOOD  CITIZENS  IS 
ASKED  IN  THE  PREVENTION  OF 

FOEEST  FIEES 

2.  BEAD  THE  HEW  LAW 

FOR  THE  PREVENTION  OF 

FOEEST  FIEES 

3.  HUFTTEBS  AID  FISHEEMEI 

LOVE  THE  WOODS 
THEREFORE 

THEY  WILL  WANT  TO  ASSIST  IN 

PBOTECTIHG  THE  WOODS  FEOM  FI  EE 

4.  A E E Y O H 
FAEMII G WITH  FIEE? 

5.  CAMPEES  AHD  WAGOHEBS 

ARE  REQUESTED  TO 

TAKE  EYEEY  PBECAUTIOH 

TO  PREVENT  FIRE  ESCAPING  FROM  THEIR 

CAMP-FIEES 

6.  HELP  PEOTECT  OUB  FOEESTS ! 

7.  SAFETY  FIEST 

8.  THESTATELAW 

MAKES  YOU  RESPONSIBLE  FOR  THE  FOEEST  FIEES 
WHICH  START  THROUGH 

YOUE  CABELESSHESS 

All  the  above  posters  are  now  out  of  print,  but  they  are  given  in  full  in  the 
Biennial  Beport  of  the  State  Geologist  for  1915-1916,  pages  52-58. 

9.  TO  THE  TBAVELIHG  PUBLIC 
BE  PUBLIC  SPIEITED 

HELP  PROTECT  THE  TREES,  SHRUBS,  AND  FLOWERS  ON 

MOUHT  MITCHELL  STATE  PAEK 

10.  CUT  WOOD 

CUT  WOOD 

CUT  MOEE  WOOD 
the  TIME  to  cut  it  is  EIGHT  HOW 


Forest  Fires  in  North  Carolina 


33 


Posters  9 and  10  were  issued  for  special  purposes,  but  warnings  against  setting 
fire  to  the  woods  form  an  essential  part  of  both,  of  them. 

11.  FOREST  FIRES  ARE  ALIEN  ENEMIES 

INTERN  THEM! 


12.  OUR  PATRIOTIC  DUTY 

IS  TO 

ELIMINATE  ALL  WASTE 

FIRE  IS  THE  GREATEST  OF  ALL  WASTERS 
THEREFORE 

PREVENT  FOREST  FIRES 


13.  DO  YOUR  BIT! 

HELP  KEEP  FIRES 
OUT  OF  THE  WOODS 

These  last  three  posters  have  recently  been  distributed  to  forest  wardens,  patrol- 
men, and  others  who  are  interested  in  forest  fires.  They  are  available  for  distribu- 
tion to  any  citizen  of  the  State  who  will  post  them  in  conspicuous  places,  not  only 
on  his  own  land,  but  for  the  protection  of  all  the  land  of  the  neighborhood. 

As  soon  as  these  are  used  up,  others  will  be  printed  and  distributed  as  required. 

The  following  instructions  for  posting  them  are  sent  out  with  the  posters : 

“The  new  forestry  law  requires  that  the  State  Forester,  as  State  Forest  Warden,  shall 
have  posted  ‘along  highways  and  in  other  conspicuous  places  copies  of  the  forest-fire 
laws  and  warnings  against  fires.’  The  accompanying  forest-fire  notice  may  he  posted 
in  some  conspicuous  place,  where  the  general  public  can  see  and  read  it. 

“The  most  suitable  places  for  such  notices  are  along  roads,  especially  at  cross-roads, 
or  on  well-traveled  trails  in  or  near  woodlands,  in  the  country  postoffice,  and  on  the 
country-store  door.  The  clerks  of  the  court  will  he  asked  to  post  one  on  the  bulletin 
board  of  each  county  courthouse. 

“The  forestry  law  also  provides  that  ‘Any  person  who  shall  maliciously  or  willfully 
destroy,  deface,  remove,  or  disfigure  any  sign,  poster,  or  warning  notice,  posted  by  order 
of  the  State  Forester,  shall  be  guilty  of  a misdemeanor.’  Any  flagrant  violation  of 
this  law  should  therefore  be  reported. 

“The  State  Geological  and  Economic  Survey  will  supply  additional  copies  of  this 
notice  to  those  whose  woodlands  are  in  danger  of  being  burnt,  provided  they  can  be 
posted  effectively.” 

STATE  FOREST  WARDENS 

Owing  to  the  absence  of  funds,  no  township  or  district  forest  wardens  to  be  paid 
and  to  act  in  accordance  with  tbe  law  can  be  appointed.  However,  through  cooper- 
ation with  the  United  States  Forest  Service  and  with  associated  landowners,  patrol- 
men and  wardens  who  are  paid  by  the  cooperators  have  in  some  cases  been  appointed 
State  Forest  Wardens.  In  every  case  special  pains  are  taken  to  impress  upon  them 
the  fact  that  no  remuneration  can  be  expected  from  the  State. 


3 


34 


Forest  Fires  in  Forth  Carolina 


Letter  of  Appointment : 

Tlie  letters  of  appointment  usually  read  somewhat  as  follows : 

Date 

Mr 

Address 

Dear  Sir: 

Pursuant  to  the  authority  vested  in  me  by  the  General  Assembly  of  North  Carolina, 
as  set  forth  in  Chapter  243,  Public  Laws  of  1915,  I hereby  appoint  you  a Township 

Forest  Warden  in  the  Township  of County  of 

State  of  North  Carolina. 

You  will  please  notify  me  by  mail  of  your  acceptance  of  this  position,  and  at  the 
earliest  opportunity  you  will  appear  before  a notary  public,  or  other  official  competent 
to  witness  an  oath,  and  swear  before  him  to  fulfill  your  duty  as  a Township  Forest 
Warden  according  to  the  best  of  your  ability. 

The  officer  taking  your  oath  will  then  sign  a statement  to  that  effect,  which  statement 
should  be  immediately  forwarded  to  me. 

The  law  under  which  you  are  appointed  carries  no  appropriation.  It  must,  therefore, 
be  distinctly  understood  on  your  part  that  you  are  to  receive  no  salary  from  the  State 
and  that  your  duties  must  be  performed  without  cost  to  the  State. 

A copy  of  the  State  Forestry  Laws,  No badge,  and  a letter  of  instructions  are 

being  sent  you  herewith. 

Very  truly  yours,  J.  S.  Holmes, 

Approved  by  the  State  Geological  Board:  State  Forester. 

Signed:  Joseph  Hyde  Pratt, 

Director. 

Oath  of  Office: 

As  soon  as  the  Forest  Warden  receives  liis  appointment  he  is  required  to  swear  to 
perform  faithfully  the  duties  of  his  office. 

The  following  form  is  filled  out  by  the  notary  or  other  State  official  in  question 
and  returned  at  once  to  the  State  Forester: 


State  of  North  Carolina 
County  of 


• Affidavit. 


Personally  appeared  before  me, of 

County,  North  Carolina,  who  being  by  me  duly  sworn,  deposes  and  says: 

That  he  has  been  appointed  Township  Forest  Warden,  for Township, 

County,  North  Carolina,  by  J.  S.  Holmes,  State  Forester,  and 

that  he  will,  to  the  best  of  his  ability,  discharge  the  duties  devolving  upon  him  while 
filling  this  office,  in  accordance  with  the  laws  of  North  Carolina,  known  as  the  Forestry 
Law,  as  set  out  in  Chapter  243,  Public  Laws  1915. 

(Signed) 

Subscribed  and  sworn  to  before  me,  this day  of 191. . . . 


Justice  of  the  Peace. 
Notary  Public. 

My  commission  expires 191. . . . 

Letter  of  Instructions : 

A letter  of  instructions  is  usually  sent  along  with  the  appointment.  These  in- 
structions vary  to  some  extent  according  to  the  region  in  which  the  man  is  appointed 
and  the  special  duties  he  is  required  to  perform  either  as  association  patrolman. 
Federal  patrolman,  or  other  position  which  carries  the  salary  upon  which  he  lives. 
Besides  these  special  instructions,  general  instructions  are  given  him  covering  his 
special  duties  as  a State  Forest  officer.  These  instructions  are  as  follows: 


Forest  Fires  in  J^orth  Carolina 


35 


Bead  Carefully! 

Your  duties  as  State  Forest  Warden  must  be  carried  out  in  strict  accordance  with 
the  law  (Chapter  243,  Public  Laws  of  1915)  under  which  you  are  appointed.  You 
should  immediately  become  familiar  with  this  law,  and  especially  with  those  parts  of  it 
(sections  4 and  6)  dealing  with  your  office  and  duties.  Whatever  work  you  undertake, 
however,  it  must  be  borne  in  mind  that  the  State  has  provided  no  money  with  which 
to  pay  you  or  to  fulfill  any  obligations  incurred  by  you. 

Concerning  your  duties  as  outlined  in  the  Forestry  Law,  you  will  please  observe 
the  following  directions: 

(1)  You  are  to  take  charge  of  measures  controlling  forest  fires  only  in  so  far  as 
this  is  compatible  with  the  other  duties  which  you  are  required  to  perform.  Where  the 
men  are  not  paid  by  the  State  for  fire  fighting,  but  perform  this  service  either  free  of 
charge  or  paid  by  other  parties,  the  State  cannot  have  the  same  complete  control  over 
them  as  if  the  State  employed  and  paid  them.  You  could,  therefore,  only  take  charge 
of  such  operations  when  it  is  the  expressed  wish  of  the  fire  fighters  or  their  employers. 

(2)  You  are  allowed  and  required  to  make  arrests  without  a warrant  only  when 
offenders  are  caught  by  you  in  the  act  of  violating  the  Forestry  Laws.  Such  an  arrest 
should  only  be  made  when  there  is  a big  chance  of  the  offender  escaping  if  he  is  not 
arrested  at  once.  In  such  case,  for  instance,  as  when  the  man  is  unknown  to  you  or  is 
a stranger  in  the  neighborhood.  In  all  other  cases  a warrant  should  be  sworn  out  by 
you  before  a justice  of  the  peace  and  served  in  the  usual  manner.  It  is  much  better 
for  the  law  to  take  its  usual  course  if  the  desired  result  can  thus  be  obtained,  namely, 
the  ultimate  arrest  and  conviction  of  offenders  in  order  to  deter  them  and  others  from 
similar  offenses  in  the  future.  In  other  words,  the  power  of  arrest  should  only  be 
exercised  in  cases  of  emergency;  your  duty  is  to  prevent  and  extinguish  forest  fires. 
Let  the  magistrate  and  constables  enforce  the  law  in  all  cases  where  it  is  possible 
for  them  to  do  so;  but  where  the  offender  would  escape  unless  arrested  at  once,  you 
should  then  use  your  power  of  arrest.  When  you  make  such  arrest,  you  must  “bring 
such  person  or  persons  forthwith  before  a justice  of  the  peace  or  other  officer  having 
jurisdiction.” 

Do  not  hesitate  to  sw'ear  out  a warrant  against  offenders,  especially  those  who  set 
fires  purposely.  You  should,  however,  feel  fairly  sure  that  sufficient  evidence  can  be 
secured  to  convict  them  of  the  offense.  You  should  acquaint  the  State  Forester  with 
the  result  of  all  prosecutions  in  your  district. 

In  dealing  with  first  offenders  against  the  Forestry  Laws,  it  is,  in  nearly  all  cases, 
best  to  treat  such  with  courtesy,  explaining  to  them  the  points  against  which  they 
have  offended  and  warning  them  to  be  especially  careful  in  the  future.  In  most  cases 
such  a warning  is  sufficient  to  prevent  a repetition  of  the  offense;  it  is  only  in  excep- 
tional cases  that  it  would  be  wise  to  arrest  for  the  first  offense.  You  must,  however, 
use  your  own  judgment  as  to  which  would  have  the  best  effect  both  upon  the  offender 
and  upon  the  community  in  which  you  are  working. 

(3)  Forest  Wardens  are  required  to  “post  along  highways  and  in  other  conspicuous 
places  copies  of  the  Forest  Fire  Laws  and  warnings  against  fires.”  I hope  you  will  be 
able  to  post  some  of  these  notices  all  over  your  district.  I can  send  you  those  already 
printed  by  the  State  the  supply  of  which  is  not  exhausted  and  other  notices  that  will  be 
printed  from  time  to  time. 

(4)  The  patrol  work  mentioned  in  section  4 cannot  be  undertaken  as  yet  by  the 
State  on  account  of  the  lack  of  appropriation.  Federal  patrolmen  and  patrolmen  em- 
ployed by  associations  and  landowners  will,  of  course,  carry  on  patrol  work,  but  not 
immediately  under  the  State  requirements. 

(5)  Forest  Wardens  are  required  to  make  a report  of  each  fire  to  the  State  Forester 
within  ten  days  of  such  fire.  You  will  be  provided  with  printed  forms  upon  which  you 
can  make  such  reports.  To  others  than  Federal  patrolmen  stamped  envelopes  will  be 
sent  for  the  purpose  of  mailing  these  fire  reports;  the  Federal  patrolmen  can  mail 
them  in  the  franked  envelopes  in  which  they  mail  their  ten-day  time  and  weather  report. 
Fires  which  are  reported  to  you  by  District  Forest  Wardens  or  by  Forest  Fire  Foremen 
appointed  by  the  different  associations  should  be  reported  by  you  to  the  State  Forester 
on  the  same  blanks.  Each  fire,  however,  must  be  reported  on  a separate  sheet. 

(6)  The  clause  in  section  6 providing  for  the  summoning  of  “any  male  resident  of 
the  township  between  the  ages  of  18  and  45  years  to  assist  in  extinguishing  fires”  must 


36 


Forest  Fires  in  North  Carolina 


for  the  present  be  a dead  letter  on  account  of  the  lack  of  appropriation,  unless  a 
special  fund  for  the  payment  of  fire  fighters  can  he  made  available  in  certain  cases. 

(7)  The  last  clause  in  section  6 provides  that  “No  action  for  trespass  shall  lie  against 
any  Forest  Warden  for  crossing  or  working  upon  the  lands  of  another  in  connection 
with  his  duties  as  Forest  Warden.”  In  view  of  this  provision,  you  should  be  exceed- 
ingly careful  not  to  injure  property  on  which  you  work  or  travel.  In  the  work  of  fire 
fighting  which  you  will  occasionally  have  to  direct  and  take  charge  of,  back-firing  will 
occasionally  be  necessary.  While  back-firing  is  a legitimate  and  often  the  only  way  of 
fighting  a serious  fire,  it  should  be  done  with  care  and  judgment.  A back  fire  carelessly 
or  thoughtlessly  set  frequently  does  more  damage  than  the  original  fire  would  do.  In 
view  of  this  fact,  you  should  constantly  bear  in  mind  that  fires  injure  the  property  upon 
which  they  burn  and  that,  if  you  in  back-firing  needlessly  burn  over  forest  property, 
you  are  thereby  needlessly  destroying  property.  Nevertheless,  this  fact  should  not  pre- 
vent you  resorting  to  back-firing  when  in  your  judgment  it  is  necessary. 

(8)  Section  7,  providing  for  the  compensation  of  Forest  Wardens,  is,  of  course,  at 
the  present  inoperative. 

(9)  In  enforcing  the  three  sections  of  the  law  dealing  with  setting  forest  fires, 
namely,  sections  8,  9,  and  10,  you  should  bear  in  mind  that  a warning  given  in  time 
may  perhaps  save  a serious  offense  against  the  law.  Should  you  see  a fire  burning 
and  one  or  more  men  in  charge  of  it,  a warning  to  them  to  see  that  the  fire  is  entirely 
out  before  they  leave  it  might  save  an  offense  and  secure  their  future  cooperation.  It 
should  be  one  of  your  first  and  most  important  duties  to  visit  any  legitimate  burnings 
and  let  the  people  who  are  burning  know  exactly  what  the  law  requires.  Hunters  and 
other  users  of  the  forest  should  also  be  warned;  they  also  should  be  watched  as  closely 
as  possible  until  they  leave  the  woods  in  your  district. 

Several  of  the  provisions  included  in  these  three  sections  of  the  law  are  new  or  have 
been  set  forth  in  new  terms.  While  ignorance  of  the  law  is  no  excuse  for  an  offense 
under  the  law,  it  should  be  your  care  to  see  that  every  one  who  uses  the  forest,  or  who 
might  become  a menace  to  it  in  your  district,  is  made  acquainted  with  the  provisions 
of  the  law. 

(10)  You  are  being  provided  with  a badge  of  office.  This  badge  should  be  worn  at  all 
times  while  on  duty,  in  a position  where  it  can  be  seen.  It  may  be  pinned  on  one  side 
of  the  coat  or  shirt  front,  or  at  or  near  the  belt.  The  badge  should  be  carefully  kept 
by  you  because,  if  lost,  it  might  be  found  and  misused  by  some  one  who  has  no  right 
to  it.  The  first  badge  will  be  sent  you  without  cost,  but,  in  case  of  loss,  badges  will 
have  to  be  paid  for  by  the  Wardens. 

To  repeat  the  warning  emphasized  in  my  letter  of  appointment:  the  law  under  which 
you  are  appointed  carries  no  appropriation.  It  must,  therefore,  be  distinctly  understood 
on  your  part  that  you  are  to  receive  no  salary  from  the  State  and  that  your  duties 
must  be  performed  without  cost  to  the  State.  (Signed)  J.  S.  Holmes, 

State  Forester. 

Badges: 

Patrolmen  and  wardens  are  not  appointed  State  wardens  until  they  liave  proved 
their  ability  and  reliability.  Tbe  object  is  to  have  wardens  who  will,  as  far  as 
possible,  carry  out  tbe  duties  of  their  office  without  a show  of  force.  "When  the 
case  demands  it,  however,  they  must  be  ready  to  uphold  the  majesty  of  the  law, 
though  most  of  their  work  will  be  done  through  instruction  and  persuasion. 

In  order  to  increase  their  effectiveness,  the  Survey  has  had  badges  made  which 
the  State  Forest  Wardens  are  required  to  wear  while  ou  duty.  These  badges 
remain  the  property  of  the  State,  and  if  lost  must  be  paid  for  by  the  warden.  They 
are  neat  metal,  shield-shaped  badges,  inscribed  “North  Carolina  Forest  Warden. 
Geological  and  Economic  Survey,”  and  are  numbered  from  one  up.  The  center  of 
the  badge  shows  a young  skortleaf  or  rosemary  pine  tree  designed  from  several 
photographs  of  young  trees  taken  in  the  middle  part  of  the  State.  The  special 
significance  of  this  design  is : 

(a)  Pine  trees  supply  the  greater  part  of  our  timber.  ( b ) The  rosemary  piue 
is  distributed  throughout  the  whole  State  and  is  our  most  important  timber  tree  in 


Forest  Fires  in  FIorth  Carolina 


37 


the  Piedmont  region,  (c)  The  young  tree  represents  the  young  forest  which  it  is 
the  special  duty  of  the  forest  warden  to  protect.  The  cut  of  this  badge  is  here 
given. 


The  following  State  Forest  Wardens  have  been  appointed  : 


J.  E.  Daugherty,  New  Bern 
James  F.  Berry,  Tryon 
E.  B.  Greene,  Blowing  Rock 
Fred  Moser,  Black  Mountain 


D.  L.  Moser,  Black  Mountain 
George  W.  Stepp,  Black  Mountain 
Ed.  T.  Shearer,  Hayesville 
IT.  A.  Miller,  North  Wilkesboro 


These  wardens  have  done  excellent  work  in  preventing  forest  fires.  The  very 
fact  that  a man  wearing  a badge  is  living  in  the  neighborhood  and  may  be  in  any 
part  of  the  district  at  any  time  tends  to  make  careful  even  the  most  careless.  If  a 
fund  could  be  made  available  to  pay  men,  even  only  for  the  time  they  actually 
expend  in  posting  notices  and  patrolling  during  the  driest  and  most  dangerous 
weather,  a vast  amount  of  good  would  be  accomplished.  It  is  to  be  hoped  that  the 
next  Legislature  will  make  available  a sufficient  amount  to  secure  the  services  of 
such  men  in  all  of  the  most  important  forest  counties  of  the  State. 

COOPERATIVE  STATE  WARDENS 


Following  the  Sixth  Annual  Meeting  of  the  North  Carolina  Forestry  Association, 
held  in  New  Bern,  January  25  and  26,  1916,  at  which  Mr.  W.  W.  Ashe,  of  the 
United  States  Forest  Service,  strongly  urged  Eastern  Carolina  landowners  to  adopt 
some  form  of  protection,  the  J.  B.  Blades  Lumber  Company  of  New  Bern  applied 
to  the  Survey  for  State  assistance  in  protecting  their  lands  from  fire.  In  accord- 
ance with  this  request,  the  following  proposition  was  made : 


(1)  That  this  company,  together  with  two  or  more  contiguous  landowners  in -the 
same  township  or  district,  raise  a fund  for  the  payment  of  a forest  warden  and  to  meet 
the  necessary  expenses  which  he  might  incur  in  preventing  and  extinguishing  forest  fires. 

(2)  That  this  fund  should  not  be  less  to  start  with  than  thirty  dollars  ($30),  and 
that  the  fund  should  be  added  to  from  time  to  time  as  previous  payments  became 
•exhausted. 


38 


Forest  Fires  in  FTorth  Carolina 


(3)  That  the  money  subscribed  be  paid  direct  to  the  North  Carolina  Geological  and 
Economic  Survey,  to  be  drawn  upon  by  the  State  Forester  for  the  payment  of  the 
Forest  Warden  and  others  employed  by  him  for  services  in  connection  with  forest  fire 
prevention  and  the  extinguishment  of  forest  fires. 

(4)  That  the  Forest  Warden  be  nominated  by  the  subscribing  parties  and  approved 
by  the  State  Forester. 

(5)  That  his  duties  be,  in  general  terms,  those  outlined  in  the  Forest  Fire  Law 
(Chapter  243,  Public  Laws  of  1915),  he  being  under  the  control  and  direction  of  the 
State  Forester. 

(6)  That  it  be  distinctly  understood  that  the  Warden  must  do  a certain  amount  of 
preventive  work,  such  as  posting  notices,  interviewing  landowners,  and,  if  possible, 
holding  meetings  in  different  parts  of  the  township. 

(7)  That  the  Forest  Warden  cannot  receive  compensation  for  services  or  expenses  in 
excess  of  the  amount  previously  deposited  with  the  Survey  by  the  cooperators,  and 
that  the  State  accepts  no  responsibility  for  debts  incurred  by  the  Forest  Warden  or 
others  in  the  performance  of  their  duty  beyond  the  amount  subscribed  and  already 
paid  in  by  the  cooperators. 

Appointment  of  a Forest  Warden. — Tlie  above  conditions  were  met  by  tbe  four 
following  landowners  in  Township  LTo.  9,  Craven  County:  tbe  J.  B.  Blades  Lumber 
Company,  tbe  Broaddus  and  Ives  Lumber  Company,  tbe  Pine  Lumber  Company, 
and  Manager  & Bennett;  and  on  May  16,  1916,  Mr.  J.  E.  Daugherty  of  Hew  Bern, 
1ST.  C.,  was  appointed  Township  Forest  Warden.  In  making  the  appointment,  tbe 
State  Forester  called  tbe  attention  of  the  warden  to  tbe  following  points: 

(a)  Your  duties  are  specified  in  the  law  (Chapter  243,  Public  Laws  of  1915)  under 
which  you  are  appointed. 

(b)  You  are  to  be  paid,  in  accordance  with  the  law,  not  to  exceed  20  cents  per  hour 
or  $2  per  day  for  the  actual  time  given  to  the  work.  The  sum  of  forty  dollars  ($40) 
has  been  deposited  with  the  State  Forester  by  the  cooperators  for  the  payment  of 
necessary  expenses  incurred  by  you.  Assurances  have  been  made  by  the  cooperators 
that  further  money  will  be  available  for  your  use  when  it  shall  be  required.  Signed 
statements  of  expenditures  must  be  forwarded  to  the  State  Forester  by  you  or  by  the 
cooperators  for  the  payment  of  necessary  expenses  incurred  by  you.  Assurances  have 
been  made  by  the  cooperators  that  further  money  will  be  available  for  your  use  when 
it  shall  be  required.  Signed  statements  of  expenditures  must  be  forwarded  to  the 
State  Forester  at  the  end  of  each  month,  as  the  law  requires. 

(c)  You  should  make  arrangements  with  suitable  parties  in  different  parts  of  your 
district  to  notify  you,  by  telephone  or  otherwise,  of  the  occurrence  of  any  fires  as  soon 
as  they  are  discovered,  and,  if  you  think  advisable,  give  directions  to  certain  parties 
to  start  fighting  the  fires,  pending  your  arrival  upon  the  scene. 

(d)  All  rural  mail  carriers  are  required  to  report  fires  to  the  proper  authorities. 
You  will,  therefore,  arrange  with  such  carriers  in  your  district  to  report  fires  to  you 
upon  discovery. 

(e)  The  watching  of  burning  logs,  stumps,  etc.,  after  a fire  has  been  controlled,  is  an 
important  part  of  fire  protection;  therefore,  the  employment  of  assistants  to  watch  such 
danger  spots  is  a legitimate  expense. 

(/)  You  should  immediately  become  familiar  with  the  Forest  Fire  Law,  and  especially 
with  sections  4 and  6,  which  deal  especially  with  the  duties  of  your  office. 

The  State  Forester  is  prepared  to  enter  into  a similar  arrangement  with,  other 
parties  anxious  to  make  more  effective  their  fire  protective  work,  or  with  township 
or  county  officials  who  wish  to  secure  the  assistance  of  the  State  in  fire  prevention. 
As  soon  as  a State  appropriation  is  secured  it  is  hoped  that  counties  or  townships 
will  see  their  way  to  cooperate  on  equal  terms  with  the  State  in  the  employment  of 
forest  wardens. 


Forest  Fires  in  North  Carolina 


39 


FEDERAL  EIRE  PREVENTION  IN  NORTH  CAROLINA 

The  Federal  Government  is  doing  its  full  part  in  helping  to  protect  the  forests  of 
this  State  from  fire.  This  work  is  being  done  through  two  different  agencies,  the 
National  Forests  Administration  and  Federal  cooperation  with  the  State. 

NATIONAL  FORESTS 

Through  the  operation  of  the  Weeks  Law,  which  was  enacted  by  Congress  in 
1-911,  the  Government  has  purchased  mountain  forest  land  in  a number  of  the 
western  counties  of  North  Carolina  with  the  avowed  object  of  protecting  the  head- 
waters of  streams.  At  the  present  time  the  Government  has  approved  for  purchase 
and  is  administering  some  319,000  acres,  distributed  as  follows : 


Location  and  Area  of  National  Forests  in  North  Carolina 


Name  of  National 

Counties  in 

Total  Area 

Forest  Area 

Which  Located 

March  30,  1918 

Pisgah 

Buncombe 

\ 

Henderson 

l 88,194 

Transylvania 

Haywood 

J 

Mount  Mitchell 

Yancey 

'I 

Buncombe 

[ 75,130 

McDowell 

J 

Nantahala 

Macon 

'j 

Swain 

l 72,672 

Boone. 

Averv 

Caldwell 

[ 45,830 

Burke 

Savannah 

Macon 

| 37,272 

Jackson 

Total 

319,098 

One  of  the  chief  duties  of  the  forest  officers  who  look  after  and  patrol  those  forests 
is  the  prevention  and  extinguishment  of  fires,  and  although  much  of  the  area  is 
quite  remote  and  some  is  subject  to  extreme  fire  risks  from  railroad  and  logging 
operations,  the  fire  damage  has  been  kept  down  to  a most  encouraging  extent.  This 
was  referred  to  in  Economic  Paper  No.  40,  pages  14  to  17.  The  loss  from  forest 
fires  on  and  near  the  National  Forests  was  greater  in  1917  than  in  any  pre- 
vious year  since  their  purchase,  yet  the  percentage  of  area  burned  over  was  only 
about  one-half  that  for  the  entire  mountain  region  as  reported  to  the  State  Forester. 
A summary  of  the  annual  fire  reports  for  1917  of  the  two  forest  supervisors  in 
charge  of  the  National  Forests  located  in  North  Carolina  is  given  below,  with  the 
idea  of  showing  the  care  and  accuracy  with  which  these  forest  fires  are  reported. 
As  soon  as  the  State  is  enabled  to  organize  its  Forest  Warden  force,  it  is  planned  to 
adopt  methods  of  reporting  fires  as  close  as  possible  to  that  already  being  practiced 
by  the  Federal  Government  in  this  State. 


40 


Forest  Fires  in  North  Carolina 


Table  16.— SUPERVISOR’S  ANNUAL  FIRE  REPORT  FOR  THE  CALENDAR  YEAR  1917 
Pisgah,  Boone,  Mount  Mitchell,  Nantahala,  and  Portion  of  Savannah  National  Fobest 


C. 

Over  10  Acres 

A. 

Under 

Acre 

B.  ' 
Under 
10  Acres 

1. 

Damage 

Under 

S100 

2. 

Damage 

$100- 

$1,000 

3. 

Damage 

Over 

$1,000 

Total 

10 

20 

18 

2 

1 

2.*  Fires  originating  on  private  lands  inside  National 

1 

7 

2 

10 

3.  Fires  originating  outside  of  National  forest  bound- 

1 

1 

i 

1 

4 

4.  Fires  originating  outside  of  National  forest  bound- 

1 

3 

4 

11 

23 

29 

5 

1 

69 

Railroad 

Light- 

ning 

Incen- 

diary 

Brush 

Burning 

Campers 

Lum- 

bering 

Un- 

known 

Miscel- 

laneous 

Total 

5.  Causes  of  all  fires  re- 
ported  

4 

4 

4 

35 

17 

5 

69 

6.  Damage  from  Fires  Within  National  Forest  Boundaries 


Area  Burned  Over 

Damage  to  Timber,  Reproduction,  and  Forage* 

Location  of  Fires 

Tim- 

bered, 

Open 

Acres 

Total 

Acres 

Timber  Destroyed 
or  Damaged 

Repro- 

duction 

Forage  Total 

Value  Value 

Acres 

M B.  F. 

Value 

Value 

2,316 

2,316 

25  M 

$ 100 

$ 1,130 

$ 75  $ 1,385 

On  private  lands  inside  National 

2,211 

2,211 

20  M 

80 

me  amount  and  value  ot 
damaged  cordwood  may  be 
included  with  the  timber  on 

4,527 

4,527 

45  M 

180 

the  ratio  of  1 cord=500  B.  F. 

7.  Cost  of  Fighting  All  Fires 


Division  of  Cost  * 

Temporary 

Labor 

Guard  and 
Ranger 
Labor 

Tools, 

Supplies, 

Trans- 

portation, 

Etc. 

Total 

Cost 

Value 
of  Co- 
operation 

$ 350.96 

143.64 
52.28 

S 105.87 
25.69 
9.44 

S 48.47 
7.71 
15.65 

$ 505.30 

177.04 
77.37 

$ 139.65 

37.80 
10.00 

On  private  lands  inside  National  forest  boundaries 

Totals 

546.88 

141.00 

71.83 

759.71 

187.45 

Forest  Fires  in  Worth  Carolina 


41 


"WEEKS  LAW  COOPERATION 

Under  the  second  section  of  the  Weeks  Law  the  United  States  Department  of 
Agriculture  is  empowered  to  cooperate  with  States  in  organizing  and  carrying  out 
fire  prevention  on  other  than  Federal  lands.  (See  Economic  Paper  Wo.  33,  pages 
31  to  48.)  This  section  reads  as  follows: 

Section  2.  That  the  sum  of  two  hundred  thousand  dollars  is  hereby  appropriated 
and  made  available  until  expended,  out  of  any  moneys  in  the  Xational  Treasury  not 
otherwise  appropriated,  to  enable  the  Secretary  of  Agriculture  to  cooperate  with  any 
state  or  group  of  states,  when  requested  to  do  so,  in  the  protection  from  fire  of  the 
forested  watersheds  of  navigable  streams;  and  the  Secretary  of  Agriculture  is  hereby 
authorized,  and  on  such  conditions  as  he  deems  wise,  to  stipulate  and  agree  with  any 
state  or  group  of  states  to  cooperate  in  the  organization  and  maintenance  of  a system  of 
fire  protection  on  any  private  or  state  forest  lands  within  such  state  or  states  and 
situated  upon  the  watershed  of  a navigable  river:  Provided,  that  no  such  stipulation 

or  agreement  shall  be  made  with  any  state  which  has  not  provided  by  law  for  a system 
of  forest  fire  protection:  Provided  further,  that  in  no  case  shall  the  amount  expended 

in  any  state  exceed  in  any  fiscal  year  the  amount  appropriated  by  that  state  for  the 
same  purpose  during  the  same  fiscal  year. 

(Act  of  March  1,  1911.) 

Policy  and  Methods  of  the  United  States  Forest  Service: 

General  Service  Policy. — The  most  important  objects  of  expenditures  under  sec- 
tion 2 of  the  Weeks  Law  are  (1)  to  promote  forest  fire  protection  by  states, 
counties,  and  associations  of  owners,  and  (2)  to  develop  closer  cooperation  among 
various  agencies  engaged  in  protective  work  and  weld  more  or  less  scattered  efforts 
into  an  efficient,  organized  system.  The  accomplishment  of  these  objects  must 
govern  primarily  the  use  of  Weeks  Law  funds,  particularly  while  the  amount  avail- 
able is  so  small.  This  policy  will  be  applied  particularly  in  providing,  first,  for  the 
needs  of  States  whose  resources  are  limited  or  in  which  general  and  efficient  fire 
protection  has  not  yet  been  developed.  It  will  be  applied  also  through  Federal 
participation  in  fire  protective  work  where  such  participation,  even  on  a limited 
scale,  will  aid  in  cementing  the  activities  of  existing  public  and  private  agencies  and 
bringing  about  a better  organized  and  more  efficient  protective  system. 

While  the  foregoing  features  of  the  work  must  receive  the  greatest  emphasis,  par- 
ticularly in  the  allotment  of  funds,  the  Government  recognizes  an  obligation  to 
participate  permanently  in  the  protection  of  the  watersheds  of  navigable  streams. 
The  passage  of  the  Weeks  Law  recognizes  the  duty  of  the  Federal  Government  to 
aid  in  preserving  the  navigability  of  important  streams  through  the  protection  of 
their  watersheds ; and  hence  that  the  Government  is  justified  in  assuming  a definite 
part  of  the  cost.  It  is  the  position  of  the  Service  that  the  solution  of  the  national 
problem  of  protection  from  forest  fires  requires  the  continued  participation  of  the 
Federal  Government;  and  that  the  enormous  public  interests  involved  in  the  pro- 
tection of  forest  and  water  resources  will  not  permit  the  Government  to  with- 
draw from  this  work  after  a brief  period  of  educational  effort.  While,  therefore, 
greatly  enlarged  appropriations  are  unnecessary  and  not  anticipated,  it  is  the  policy 
of  the  Government  to  continue  this  work  permanently,  if  on  a small  scale,  as  an 
active  associate  of  the  states  and  private  owners.  As  far  as  the  funds  are  available 
after  providing  for  work  in  states  where  its  purpose  is  primarily  educational,  the 
Service  will  thus  continue  to  cooperate  with  other  states,  even  if  the  other  agencies 


42 


Forest  Fires  in  North  Carolina 


in  such  states  would  be  able  if  left  to  themselves  to  provide  sufficient  funds  for  fire 
protection  under  ordinary  conditions.  The  value  of  Federal  cooperation  as  a means 
of  cementing  and  improving  the  protective  work  in  such  states  is  an  ample  justifi- 
cation for  these  expenditures,  aside  from  the  obligation  resting  upon  the  Govern- 
ment to  aid  in  the  protection  of  navigation. 

Lands  Protected. — The  first  requirement  of  the  Weeks  Law  is  that  the  protection 
shall  be  confined  to  the  forested  watersheds  of  navigable  streams.  At  first  coopera- 
tion was  restricted  to  the  headwaters  of  streams  which  are  navigable  for  interstate 
trade.  More  recently  the  Solicitor  of  the  Department  gave  it  as  his  opinion  that 
“all  streams  which  are  adaptable  in  the  particular  locality  to  the  floating  or  trans- 
portation of  the  products  of  that  locality”  are  navigable,  which  definition  is  the 
present  basis  for  determining  the  limits  of  the  cooperative  areas. 

State  Protective  System. — The  second  requirement  of  the  law  is  that  the  State 
must  have  “provided  by  law  for  a system  of  fire  protection.”  This  proviso,  at  first 
very  strictly  construed,  has,  under  more  recent  opinions  from  the  Solicitor’s  office, 
been  interpreted  as  meaning  any  system  of  protection,  including  the  employment  of 
men  for  patrol,  lookout  or  fire-fighting  purposes,  or  the  adoption  of  other  protective 
measures  under  the  authority  of  any  State  law,  whether  or  not  the  law  actually 
specified  the  protective  system  which  should  be  employed.  A scheme  of  fire  protec- 
tion initiated  by  a state  forester  under  the  general  authority  of  forestry  laws  of  the 
state  is  thus  regarded  as  sufficient  to  satisfy  the  requirement. 

State  Appropriation. — The  third  proviso  is  that  the  state  must  appropriate  for 
fire  protective  purposes  during  the  same  Federal  fiscal  year  an  amount  at  least 
equal  to  that  expended  by  the  Federal  Government.  At  first  this  was  construed 
strictly  to  require  a definite  appropriation  for  fire  protection  work  or  an  allotment 
for  the  purpose  from  a lump-sum  forestry  appropriation.  Subsequently  any  ex- 
penditure made  by  any  authorized  state  agency  which  has  for  its  object  the  encour- 
agement and  furtherance  of  fire  protection  work  has  been  accepted  as  fulfilling  this 
requirement.  Thus,  in  both  Virginia  and  North  Carolina  no  appropriation  is  made 
for  the  maintenance  of  a forest  fire  protective  system.  But  the  portion  of  the  salary 
and  expenses  of  the  State  Forester  or  clerk  which  is  devoted  to  forest  fire  propa- 
ganda and  the  organization  of  a voluntary  field  force  is  considered  an  appropriation 
within  the  meaning  of  the  Weeks  Law.  Any  State  funds  used  for  the  broad  pur- 
pose of  fire  protection,  including  overhead  expenses  for  administration,  fire-fighting 
funds,  expenditures  for  publicity  work,  etc.,  may  be  included  in  the  amount  required 
to  offset  the  Federal  allotment. 

Federal  Allotments  and  Expenditures.— Allotments  are  made  by  the  calendar 
year  for  the  full  fire  season  or  seasons.  This  makes  it  possible  for  the  states  to  know 
before  the  beginning  of  the  season  the  amounts  they  are  to  receive  for  the  full  dan- 
ger period,  and  they  can  then  plan  accordingly,  which  would  not  be  the  case  if  the 
allotments  were  made  by  the  Federal  fiscal  year. 

Federal  expenditures  cannot  exceed  the  amount  appropriated  by  the  State.  This 
has  been  construed  simply  as  stipulating  a maximum  limit  for  Federal  expendi- 
tures, not  as  providing  for  an  equal  division  of  forest  fire  expenditures  with  any 
state  with  which  we  may  cooperate.  This  is  obviously  the  only  possible  construc- 
tion, for  some  of  the  states  expend  each  year  as  much  as  the  entire  Federal  appro- 
priation. In  cooperating  with  a state  whose  total  funds  available  for  fire  protec- 
tion amount  to  $5,000  or  less,  however,  in  most  instances  an  equal  allotment  from 
Weeks  Law  funds  has  been  made. 


Forest  Fires  ix  Xorth  Carolixa 


43 


III  making  allotments  to  states  appropriating  more  tlian  $5,000,  the  aim  is  to 
make  the  Federal  allotment  such  that  with  the  state  and  private  funds  available 
the  cooperative  area  may  receive  as  nearly  as  possible  adequate  protection  under 
ordinary  conditions  of  hazard  and  risk. 

State  s Responsibility. — The  State  is  held  to  be  responsible  for  organizing, 
administering,  and  maintaining  the  efficiency  of  the  fire  protection  system,  includ- 
ing the  work  of  the  Federal  men  hired  under  the  Weeks  Law.  The  State’s  interest 
in  the  protection  of  its  forests  as  a property,  whether  in  State  or  private  ownership, 
is  tangible  and  direct,  while  that  of  the  Federal  Government  is  more  or  less  indirect 
through  their  influence  on  watershed  protection.  The  Service  is  desirous  of  doing 
everything  in  its  power  to  encourage  the  states  to  recognize  and  assume  their  re- 
sponsibility for  this  protection. 

Federal  Responsibility. — That  the  Federal  Government  has  a definite  responsi- 
bility in  the  protection  of  watersheds  of  navigable  streams,  however,  is  clear, 
although  it  was  deemed  by  Congress  insufficient  to  justify  the  Government  in 
assuming  a share  of  the  cost  greater  than  that  borne  by  any  particular  state. 

Use  of  Federal  Allotment. — The  expenditure  of  Weeks  Law  funds  is  restricted  as 
closely  as  practicable  to  the  salaries  of  lookout  watchmen  and  patrolmen. 

It  is  to  be  understood,  of  course,  that  in  periods  when  the  discharge  of  their  regu- 
lar duties  is  unnecessary,  men  employed  for  patrol  or  lookouts  may  and  should  be 
used  for  the  construction  of  improvements,  disposal  of  slash,  or  any  other  fire  pro- 
tective work  which  the  State  organization  has  in  mind.  If,  however,  the  regular 
patrol  season  closes  with  a portion  of  the  allotment  unexpended,  it  may  be  desirable 
to  authorize  the  State  to  use  such  balance  for  slash  disposal,  permanent  improve- 
ments, and  like  protective  work,  these  expenditures  bearing  the  same  proportion  to 
those  of  the  State  as  the  expenditures  for  patrols  and  lookouts.  Arrangements  of 
this  character  may  be  authorized  by  the  Forester. 

Fire  Plans. — Every  reasonable  effort  has  been  made  to  get  the  states  to  prepare 
fire  plans,  with  maps  showing  improvements,  equipment,  and  the  disposition  of  the 
forest  fire  personnel,  supplemented  by  written  descriptions  of  the  control  organiza- 
tion and  control  measures  to  be  taken. 

Private  Efforts. — One  of  the  cardinal  features  of  Weeks  Law  cooperation  is  to 
secure  the  participation  of  private  owners.  One  of  the  conditions  required  of  the 
states  is  that  they  shall  secure  a reasonable  amount  of  assistance  from  the  private 
owners  in  cooperative  areas.  The  State  is  called  upon  to  indicate  in  its  yearly 
budget  the  funds  which  will  be  furnished  from  private  sources;  and  the  extent  of 
such  aid  will  be  one  of  the  factors  considered  in  determining  the  allotment  to  the 
State.  Weeks  Law  agreements  are  not  three-cornered,  however.  The  Service  deals 
only  with  the  State,  and  the  latter  is  responsible  to  the  Service  for  securing  adequate 
private  help.  The  Service  will,  of  course,  aid  the  State  in  any  ways  found  prac- 
ticable in  enlisting  the  interest  and  support  of  private  owners,  forming  protective 
associations,  etc. 

State  Reports. — A report  from  the  State  is  required  at  the  end  of  each  calendar 
year.  It  has  been  our  aim  to  reduce  this  report  to  the  briefest  form  possible.  A 
tabular  statement  giving  number  of  fires  by  areas ; damage  and  cause ; loss  by  fires ; 
and  summary  of  State  appropriation  and  expenditures  for  fire  protection  forms 
Part  I of  the  report.  Part  II  comprises  a discussion  in  such  detail  as  seems  neces- 
sary of  the  following  subjects : 


44 


Forest  Fires  in  Forth  Carolina 


1.  Character  of  the  fire  season. 

2.  Character  and  amount  (funds,  labor  and  material)  of  assistance  rendered  by 

a.  Private  landowners  (individuals  or  through  associations)  ; 

b.  Railroads; 

c.  Rural  mail  carriers. 

Federal  Patrolmen: 

After  the  passage  of  the  State  Forestry  Law  in  1915,  the  State  Geologist  entered 
into  an  agreement  with  the  United  States  Department  of  Agriculture  whereby  the 
Survey  was  enabled  to  appoint  a few  Federal  patrolmen  to  cooperate  with  the  pri- 
vate landowners  in  the  various  parts  of  the  State.  A copy  of  the  agreement  is  given 
in  the  Biennial  Report  of  the  State  Geologist  for  1915-16,  pages  34  to  37.  This 
agreement  provides  that  a sum  not  to  exceed  $2,000  will  be  apportioned  to  Forth 
Carolina  for  the  purpose  of  employing  patrolmen  or  lookouts,  provided  the  expendi- 
tures of  the  State  for  fire  prevention  equals  or  exceeds  the  amount  spent  by  the 
Government.  All  expenditures  of  the  Survey  made  for  preventing  forest  fires, 
including  such  part  of  the  salary  and  office  and  field  expenses  of  the  State  Forester 
as  was  made  for  that  purpose,  may  he  counted  as  the  State’s  proportion. 

The  first  Federal  patrolman  to  receive  an  appointment  in  Forth  Carolina  under 
the  Weeks  Law  agreement  was  John  Riis.  He  was  appointed  in  Tryon  Township, 
Polk  County,  October  1,  1915.  The  following  statement  shows  the  men  employed 
up  to  January  1,  1918,  and  the  duration  of  their  employment  for  each  fire  season: 


Fall  Season , 1915: 

'Name.  District. 

John  Riis Tryon 

Anderson  McFalls Mount  Mitchell 

G.  W.  Stepp Black  Mountain 

Spring  Season,  1916: 

John  Riis  Tryon 

G.  W.  Stepp Black  Mountain 

Anderson  McFalls Mount  Mitchell 

C.  D.  Cannon Blowing  Rock  . 

Fall  Season,  1916: 

J.  Hilliard  Metcalf  Tryon 

Frank  Icenhour  Blowing  Rock  . 

Spring  Season,  1917 : 

Frank  Icenhour Blowing  Rock  . . 

James  F.  Berry Tryon 

G.  W.  Stepp Black  Mountain 

Fall  Season,  1917 : 

D.  L.  Moser Mount  Mitchell 

G.  W.  Stepp Black  Mountain 

James  F.  Berry. ........ .Tryon 

E.  R.  Greene Blowing  Rock  . 


Duration  of  Appointment . 
October  1 to  December  18 
October  1 to  December  15 
November  1 to  December  15 


March  10  to  May  31 
.March  10  to  May  27 
March  22  to  May  27 
.March  29  to  May  27 


November  2 to  December  15 
November  21  to  December  15 


April  2 to  June  15 
April  2 to  June  12 
April  12  to  May  27 


October  4 to  December  7 
November  5 to  December  7 
November  7 to  December  7 
November  1 to  December  7 


These  men  were  appointed  to  cooperate  with  associations  and  landowners  who 
were  organized  for  the  purpose  of  forest  protection.  Other  appointments  would 
have  been  made  but  for  the  difficulty  of  securing  the  cooperation  of  landowners, 
many  of  whom  were  willing  to  cooperate  themselves,  but  could  not  secure  the  active 
cooperation  of  adjoining  landowners.  It  was  this  difficulty  which  has  caused  the 


Forest  Fires  in  North  Carolina 


45 


discrepancy  in  tie  apparent  expenditures  of  tie  State  and  of  tie  Government. 
Tiese  expenditures  are  summarized  for  tie  tiree  years  as  follows : 

State  Expenditures  Federal  Expenditures 

1915  $1,707.35  $379.33 

1916  1,068.49  699.67 

1917  1,137.00  657.66 

It  must  le  iere  explained  tiat  tie  large  predominance  of  State  expenditures  over 
Federal  ones  is  in  no  way  tie  fault  of  tie  Federal  Government,  but  is  entirely  due 
to  tie  indifference  and  lack  of  response  on  tie  part  of  tie  landowners  of  North 
Carolina.  Many  efforts  were  made  by  tie  State  Forester  to  organize  cooperative 
fire  prevention  in  order  to  be  enabled  to  appoint  Federal  patrolmen,  but  little  active 
interest  could  be  secured  outside  of  tie  tiree  associations  elsewiere  alluded  to  in  this 
report. 

Starting  witi  1918,  iowever,  a new  offer  ias  been  made  to  tie  people  of  tie  State, 
and  two  additional  patrolmen  iave  been  appointed  under  tiis  new  arrangement. 
Tie  idea  is  to  appoint  Federal  patrolmen  to  muci  larger  districts  to  travel  over 
tiese  large  areas,  posting  notices,  interviewing  landowners  and  otiers,  and  endeav- 
oring to  so  interest  tie  people  in  forest  protection  as  to  gradually  work  up  more 
active  and  effective  cooperation. 

Patrolmen  will  be  appointed  only  for  tie  spring  and  fall  danger  seasons.  Tie 
former  usually  begins  in  Marci  or  April  and  lasts  from  six  to  ten  weeks,  wiile  tie 
latter  commences  tie  latter  part  of  October  or  tie  beginning  of  November  and 
continues  up  to  tie  first  or  second  week  in  December. 

Patrol  Districts: 

Tie  districts  are  selected  witi  tie  view  of  doing  tie  greatest  amount  of  good. 
Counties  wiere  tie  people  are  tiorougily  interested  are  more  likely  to  be  selected 
tian  wiere  tie  landowners  are  indifferent  or  antagonistic,  because  better  results  can 
be  secured.  A county  wiere  forest  fires  are  actually  being  prevented  will  serve  as 
an  incentive  and  example  to  all  surrounding  counties. 

Eaci  man  is  assigned  a definite  district  to  cover,  either  on  horseback,  in  a buggy 
or  a Ford,  or  on  foot,  tie  size  of  eaci  district  varying  according  to  local  conditions. 
Districts  are  selected  according  to  tie  importance  of  fire  protection,  and  tie  bound- 
aries are  established  witi  reference  to  topographic  rather  than  political  features. 
Tiese  districts  are  more  or  less  arbitrary  and  are  changed  from  one  period  to  an- 
other, as  is  found  to  be  necessary.  Tie  patrolman’s  headquarters  are  preferably 
as  near  tie  center  of  iis  district  as  possible. 

Federal  Regulations : 

Federal  patrolmen  are  appointed  by  tie  State  Forester  in  iis  capacity  as  collab- 
orator in  tie  United  States  Department  of  Agriculture;  they  are,  therefore,  Govern- 
ment employees  and  subject  to  Federal  regulation  and  discipline.  Tie  following 
regulations  will  be  of  interest  to  tie  general  public,  as  affecting  tiese  public 
servants : 

Qualifications. — Certain  qualifications  are  essential  iu  selecting  a patrolman. 
To  begin  witi,  tie  Federal  Government  insists  tiat  he  must  be  selected  on  merit, 
without  regard  to  any  personal  or  political  considerations  whatever.  He  must  be  a 
man  of  intelligence,  dependability,  and  sobriety.  He  must  further  be  tiorougily 


46 


Forest  Fires  in  Forth  Carolina 


familiar  with,  the  territory  in  his  district,  as  he  is  required  to  traverse  all  sections  of 
it  at  regular  and  repeated  intervals.  Since  his  is  an  arduous  duty,  demanding 
almost  continuous  horseback  travel,  he  must  he  physically  able  to  perform  it.  He 
must  be  tactful  in  his  dealings  with  people  in  his  district ; and,  finally,  he  must  be 
the  type  of  man  who  is  well  regarded  in  his  own  community. 

The  Government  some  time  since  sent  out  the  following  order : 

Qualifications  for  Federal  Men  Employed  Under  the  Weeks  Law. — Candidates  for  ap- 
pointment as  temporary  employees  during  the  season  of  serious  danger  from  fire  must 
be  able-bodied  and  capable  of  enduring  hardships  and  of  performing  severe  labor  under 
trying  canditions;  must  be  able  to  build  trails  and  cabins  and  to  pack-in  provisions  with- 
out assistance;  must  be  thoroughly  familiar  with  the  region  in  which  they  seek  employ- 
ment (or  other  similar  regions),  including  its  geography,  its  forests,  and  industrial 
conditions. 

Invalids  and  consumptives  seeking  light  out-of-door  employment  are  not  qualified 
for  the  work,  and  should  not  be  employed. 

Employing  officers  will  require  sobriety,  industry,  physical  ability,  and  effectiveness; 
will  give  preference  to  local  residents  of  whose  fitness  he  is  fully  satisfied,  and  will 
employ  no  person  for  personal  or  political  consideration. 

Political  Activity  Prohibited. — The  orders  prohibiting  political  activity,  which  follow, 
will  be  strictly  enforced. 

Political  Activity. — Rule  1,  section  1,  of  the  Civil  Service  Rules  reads  as  follows: 

No  person  in  the  executive  civil  service  shall  use  his  official  authority  or  influence 
for  the  purpose  of  interfering  with  an  election  or  affecting  the  result  thereof.  Persons 
who  by  the  provisions  of  these  rules  are  in  the  competitive  classified  service,  while 
retaining  the  right  to  vote  as  they  please  and  to  express  privately  their  opinions  on 
all  political  subjects,  shall  take  no  active  part,  in  political  management  or  in  political 
campaigns. 

The  first  sentence  of  the  rule  applies  to  every  person  in  the  executive  civil  service, 
irrespective  of  the  method  of  his  appointment.  The  second  sentence  of  the  rule  applies 
to  all  persons  holding  positions  in  the  competitive  classified  service,  whether  the  ap- 
pointment be  permanent  or  temporary  in  character,  and  by  departmental  action  has  also 
generally  been  made  applicable  to  unclassified  laborers  (lookout  watchmen  and  patrol- 
men under  the  Weeks  Law). 

The  following  forms  of  activity  have  been  held  to  be  forbidden  by  this  provision: 

Service  on  political  committees;  service  as  delegates  to  state,  county,  or  district  con- 
ventions of  a political  party,  although  it  was  understood  that  the  employees  were  not 
“to  take  or  use  any  political  activity  in  going  to  these  conventions  or  otherwise  vio- 
late the  civil  service  rules;”  service  as  officer  of  a political  club,  as  chairman  of  a 
political  meeting,  or  a secretary  of  an  anti-saloon  league;  continued  political  activity 
and  leadership,  activity  at  the  polls  on  election  day;  the  publication  or  editing  of  a 
newspaper  in  the  interests  of  a political  party;  the  publication  of  political  articles 
hearing  on  qualfications  of  different  candidates;  the  distribution  of  political  literature; 
holding  office  in  a club  which  takes  an  active  part  in  political  campaigns  or  manage- 
ment; making  speeches  before  political  meetings  or  clubs;  activity  in  local  option  cam- 
paigns; circulation  of  petitions  having  a political  object,  of  petitions  proposing  amend- 
ments to  municipal  charter,  of  petitions  favoring  candidates  for  municipal  offices,  and 
of  local  option  petitions;  candidacy  for  or  holding  of  elective  office;  accepting  nomination 
for  political  office  with  the  intention  of  resigning  from  the  competitive  service  if 
elected;  recommendation  by  clerks  and  carriers  of  a person  to  be  postmaster;  service 
as  a commissioner  of  election  in  a community  where  it  was  notorious  that  a commis- 
sioner of  election  must  be  an  active  politician;  service  as  inspector  of  election,  ballot 
clerk,  ballot  inspector,  judge  of  election,  or  member  of  election  board;  or  generally  any 
form  of  activity  in  political  management  or  political  campaigns,  though  not  specifically 
mentioned  above. 


Forest  Fires  in  FTorth  Carolina 


47 


In  as  much  as  the  issuance  of  a certificate  for  reinstatement  is  discretionary  with 
the  Civil  Service  Commission,  no  certificate  will  be  issued  in  any  case  where  the  party 
applying  for  reinstatement  has  previously  resigned  with  a view  of  running  for  office, 
or  with  a view  of  indulging  in  a degree  of  political  activity  which  would  be  pro- 
hibited if  he  had  remained  in  the  service,  and  who  afterwards,  having  failed  in  his 
candidacy  or  having  indulged  in  the  contemplated  activity,  seeks  reinstatement. 

Political  Assessments  or  Contributions. — The  civil  service  act  (22  Stat.,  404)  pro- 
vides that  “No  person  in  the  public  service  is  for  that  reason  under  any  obligations 
to  contribute  to  any  political  fund,  or  to  render  any  political  service,  and  ...  he 
will  not  be  removed  or  otherwise  prejudiced  for  refusing  to  do  so.”  Section  118  of  the 
Criminal  Code  provides  that  no  Federal  officer  or  employee  shall,  directly  or  indirectly, 
solicit  or  receive,  or  be  in  any  manner  concerned  in  soliciting  or  receiving  any  political 
assessment,  subscription,  or  contribution  from  any  other  Federal  officer  or  employee. 
Section  120  of  the  Criminal  Code  prohibits  the  discharge,  promotion,  or  degrading  of 
any  officer  or  employee  for  giving  or  failing  to  make  any  political  contribution.  Sec- 
tion 121  of  the  Criminal  Code  prohibits  any  Federal  officer  or  employee  from  making 
any  such  political  contribution  to  another  Federal  officer  or  employee,  and  section  119 
prohibits  the  solicitation  or  receipt  of  any  political  contribution  in  any  room  or  build- 
ing occupied  in  the  discharge  of  official  duties  by  any  officer  or  employee  of  the  United 
States,  or  on  other  Federal  premises  by  any  person  whatsoever,  whether  in  the  public 
service  or  not.  In  connection  with  this  latter  provision,  the  United  States  Supreme 
Court  has  held  that  a solicitation  by  letter  or  circular  addressed  and  delivered  by  mail 
or  otherwise  to  an  officer  or  employee  of  the  United  States  at  the  office  or  building  in 
which  he  is  employed  in  the  discharge  of  his  official  duties  is  a solicitation  within  the 
meaning  of  the  law,  the  solicitation  taking  place  where  the  letter  was  received.  Sec- 
tion 122  of  the  Criminal  Code  provides  that  whoever  shall  violate  any  provision  of  the 
four  sections  above  mentioned  shall  be  fined  not  more  than  $5,000  or  imprisoned  not 
more  than  three  years,  or  both. 

It  is  the  duty  of  the  Civil  Service  Commission  to  see  that  the  civil  service  act  and 
rules  and  the  above-mentioned  sections  of  the  Criminal  Code,  which  were  originally 
enacted  as  a part  of  the  civil  service  act,  are  strictly  enforced,  and  it  will  employ 
every  legitimate  and  available  means  to  secure  the  prosecution  -and  punishment  of  per- 
sons who  may  violate  them.  The  Commission  requests  any  persons  having  knowledge 
of  any  such  violation  to  lay  the  facts  before  it,  that  it  may  at  once  take  action  thereon. 

— From  “'National  Forest  Manual ,”  pages  17A-1SA. 

In  regard  to  tlie  above,  the  United  States  Forester  writes : 

“I  confidently  expect  that  all  members  of  the  Service  will  perform  their  duties  unin- 
fluenced by  any  political  consideration,  and  will  not  knowingly  violate  the  law  or  regu- 
lations, or  the  proprieties.” 

Compensation  for  Injuries  to  Federal  Employees. — The  following-  paragraphs 
are  quoted  from  circular-letters  sent  out  by  the  United  States  Forester,  September, 
1917.  These  circulars  describe  the  necessary  procedure  in  securing  treatment  un- 
der the  Federal  Compensation  Act  of  September  7,  1916,  for  injuries  received  by 
employees  of  the  United  States  while  in  the  performance  of  their  duties : 

“When  civil  employees  of  the  United  States  are  injured  while  in  the  performance 
of  their  duties  they  are,  by  the  terms  of  the  Federal  Compensation  Act  of  September  7, 
1916,  entitled  to  ‘reasonable  medical,  surgical,  and  hospital  services  and  supplies  for 
the  injury,  whether  or  not  disability  has  arisen. 

“In  addition  to  necessary  medical,  surgical,  and  hospital  expenses,  if  the  injury 
results  in  disability  for  more  than  three  days,  compensation  is  payable  at  the  rate  of 
two-thirds  of  the  monthly  pay,  beginning  with  the  fourth  day  from  the  cessation  of 
the  regular  compensation,  but  cannot  exceed  $66.67  a month.  Any  annual  or  sick 
leave  due  may  be  used  in  preference  to  compensation  under  the  Compensation  Act. 
No  compensation  is  payable  if  the  injury  is  caused  by  willful  misconduct  of  the  in- 
jured employee,  his  intention  to  bring  about  the  injury,  or  his  intoxication. 


48 


Forest  Fires  in  Forth  Carolina 


“Every  employee  sustaining  an  injury  should  immediately  seek  first-aid  treatment, 
no  matter  how  slight  the  injury,  many  slight  injuries  having  serious  consequences 
through  failure  to  receive  prompt  attention. 

“The  following  forms  are  used  in  the  administration  of  this  act:  Form  C.  A.  1, 

Notice  of  Injury  (to  be  made  by  the  injured  employee  or  his  personal  representative  to 
his  official  superior) ; Forms  C.  A.  2,  Report  of  Injury  (to  be  made  by  the  official 
superior) ; Form  C.  A.  3,  Report  of  Termination  of  Disability  (to  be  made  by  the 
official  superior) ; Form  C.  A.  4,  Claim  for  Complete  or  Partial  Disability , and  Form 
C.  A.  5,  Death  Claim.  The  Compensation  Commission  is  unable  to  supply  these  forms 
in  sufficient  quantities  for  advance  distribution  to  all  field  stations.  Any  employee 
injured  in  the  course  of  his  employment  should  at  once  notify  his  official  superior 
and  call  for  a blank  form  upon  which  to  make  the  written  report  required  by  the  law. 
If  he  is  unable  to  attend  to  this  himself,  it  should  be  done  by  some  one  else  in  his 
behalf.  This  report  should  be  made  for  every  injury,  however  slight.  The  various  re- 
port forms  will  be  furnished  from  the  office  of  the  Collaborator  (The  State  Forester, 
Chapel  Hill,  N.  C.)  as  required. 

“The  benefits  of  the  Federal  Compensation  Act  extend  only  to  persons  on  the  pay 
rolls  of  the  United  States  and  do  not  apply  to  State  employees  even  if  engaged  in 
similar  employment  under  the  direction  of  this  office.’’ 

Appointment  of  Federal  Patrolmen: 

The  letter  from  the  State  Forester  appointing  a Federal  patrolman  endeavors  to 
specify  clearly  what  is  expected  of  him  as  a Federal  officer.  It  usually  follows  the 
form  here  given : 

Dear  Mr : 

(1)  Under  the  authority  delegated  to  me  in  the  Agreement  for  the  Protection  from 
Fire  of  the  Forested  Watersheds  of  Navigable  Streams  between  the  North  Carolina 
Geological  Board  and  the  Secretary  of  Agriculture  of  the  United  States,  signed  March 
11,  1916,  I hereby  appoint  you  a Federal  patrolman,  to  act  in  that  capacity  in  North 
Carolina  as  long  as  this  appointment  shall  last. 

(2)  You  will  be  paid  at  the  rate  of per by  the  Federal  Govern- 

ment from  the  time  your  appointment  commences  until  it  terminates.  Upon  submis- 
sion of  your  last  time  report  for  each  calendar  month,  the  pay  roll,  with  your  name 
upon  it,  will  be  forwarded  by  me  to  the  Washington  office,  and  you  will  receive  your 
salary  check  direct. 

(3)  Your  appointment  will  begin and  will  continue  without 

interruption  until,  in  my  opinion,  the forest  fire  season  is  over. 

(4)  Your  headquarters  will,  until  further  notice,  be  at 

(5)  Your  district  comprises (describing  district). 

(6)  Your  patrol  routes  must  be  arranged  by  you  in  order  to  best  cover  the  district 
under  your  charge.  While  having  some  definite  patrol  routes,  it  will  be  best  to  vary 
them  from  day  to  day.  You  are  expected  to  keep  a horse  and  ride  him  regularly. 

(7)  When  you  discover  a small  fire  burning,  it  is  your  duty  to  extinguish  it;  try  to 
get  neighboring  residents  to  extinguish  larger  fires.  Your  own  judgment  will  determine 
whether  or  not  it  is  practicable  to  extinguish  the  fires  found  burning.  It  is  important, 
however,  to  build  up  in  different  communities  a spirit  which  in  the  future  will  lead 
to  the  extinguishing  of  all  fires  by  local  residents.  Once  there  is  a sentiment  against 
fires,  fewer  fires  will  occur  and  persons  will  more  readily  extinguish  those  which 
do  occur. 

(8)  Lumbering  operations  and  portable  sawmills  within  your  district  must  be  visited 
frequently  and  the  owners  and  operatives  warned  to  be  careful.  A copy  of  the  State 
law  should  be  in  the  hands  of  every  sawmill  man.  Farmers  clearing  land  and  likely 
to  be  burning  brush  should  be  visited  and  warned  to  burn  only  in  strict  accordance 
with  the  law.  Fishermen,  hunters,  and  campers  must  be  interviewed  and  made  to 
understand  why  it  is  to  their  advantage  to  prevent  fires.  (This  paragraph  usually 
enumerates  the  different  important  fire  risks  in  the  district.  These  usually  include 
railroads,  logging  operations,  and  other  activities  in  the  woods,  such  as  tie-cutting, 
tar-making,  or  charcoal  burning.) 


Forest  Fires  in  ISTorth  Carolina 


49 


(9)  During  the  time  when  patrol  is  not  necessary,  that  is,  immediately  after  rains 
or  during  wet  spells,  you  should  either  (a)  busy  yourself  with  the  construction  of  im- 
provements which  will  make  protection  more  complete,  such  as  extending  or  repairing 
telephone  lines  or  making  or  improving  trails,  or  constructing  fire  lines,  (&)  take  the 
opportunity  of  visiting  remote  or  outlying  districts  and  posting  notices  and  inter- 
viewing residents  there. 

(10)  You  may  later  be  appointed  a State  Township  Forest  Warden,  under  the  State 
law,  with  authority  to  enforce  the  State  laws.  Special  instructions  would  then  be 
sent  you  with  your  appointment,  and  you  would  be  furnished  with  a badge  which 
you  would  be  expected  to  wear  when  on  duty. 

(11)  (This  paragraph  usually  enumerates  the  different  persons,  corporations  or 
associations  with  which  cooperation  should  be  carried  on  or  encouraged,  such,  for  in- 
stance, as  the  forest  protective  associations,  railroad  companies,  city  waterworks,  lum- 
ber companies,  farmers  and  other  landowners.) 

(12)  You  are  being  supplied  with  fire  notices  printed  by  the  State,  which  you  can 
post  in  conspicuous  places,  wherever  you  think  they  will  do  good.  A number  of  copies 
of  the  State  Forestry  Law  are  also  being  sent  you;  these  are  to  be  distributed  to 
those  who  are  interested,  while  the  law  should  be  explained  to  all. 

(13)  Arrangements  should  be  made  with  telephone  companies  for  the  immediate 
reporting  of  fires  at  special  rates  or  free  of  charge.  Private  lines  should  be  utilized 
and  extended  as  much  as  possible. 

(14)  In  accordance  with  the  instructions  of  the  Postmaster  General,  all  the  rural 
mail  carriers  in  your  district  are  required  to  cooperate  with  you  in  reporting  forest 
fires.  You  should  at  once  get  in  touch  with  them,  learn  their  routes,  and  arrange 
with  them  adequate  methods  for  notifying  you  or  the  Forest  Fire  Foreman  of  your 
district  of  the  occurrence  of  fires. 

(15)  You  will  be  expected  to  make  the  following  reports  to  the  State  Forester: 

a.  A time  report,  showing  the  amount  of  time  each  day  you  have  wmrked,  the  kind 
of  work  done  and  the  number  of  people  interviewed,  such  as  is  called  for  on  the  form 
which  is  being  furnished  you.  It  is  required  that,  in  addition  to  this  form,  you  keep 
a diary,  showing,  in  more  detail  than  is  possible  on  the  form,  the  work  done,  the 
places  visited,  the  miles  patrolled,  the  fire  fighting  done,  the  names  and  addresses  of 
people  interviewed,  and  any  information  about  ownership  of  land  in  your  district 
which  will  be  of  benefit  to  you  in  your  work.  Brief  daily  weather  notes  should  also 
be  included.  From  this  diary  the  time  report  can  be  made  out. 

&.  As  soon  as  possible  after  the  occurrence  of  each  fire  in  your  district,  certainly 
within  ten  days,  an  account  of  it  must  be  sent  to  the  State  Forester  on  the  form  which 
is  being  supplied  you  for  that  purpose.  Franked  return  envelopes  will  be  supplied 
you  for  mailing  the  above  reports. 

Please  notify  me  at  once  that  you  have  accepted  this  appointment. 

Very  truly  yours,  J.  S.  Holmes, 

Collaborator,  U.  S.  Forest  Service  ancl  State  Forester. 

Instructions  for  Federal  Patrolmen: 

In  addition  to  the  letter  of  appointment  some  general  instructions  are  sent  out  to 
tlie  Federal  patrolmen.  The  following,  adapted  from  those  sent  out  by  the  State 
Forester  of  Texas,  have  been  sent  out  with  appointments  during  the  spring  of  1918. 

General  Instructions  for  Patrolmen 

“Conscientious  performance  of  your  duty  is  expected  each  day  and  all  day  work  except 
on  Sundays,  when  you  are  only  expected  to  do  absolutely  necessary  work.  Not  less 
than  eight  hours  will  be  acceptable  as  a day’s  work.  You  are  employed  on  a monthly 
basis,  and  every  working  day  must  be  properly  accounted  for.  Flan  to  spend  some 
Saturday  afternoons  in  towns  where  you  can  meet  large  numbers  of  people  from  the 
surrounding  country.  During  heavy  rains,  when  it  would  be  impracticable  to  ride 
long  distances,  endeavor  to  seek  shelter  at  country  stores,  sawmills,  schools,  farms,  or 
4 


50 


Forest  Fires  in  North  Carolina 


in  towns  where  you  can  meet  people  and  discuss  fire  prevention  work  with  them. 
Cover  your  district  in  a studied  and  systematic  manner,  aiming  to  reach  as  many 
people  as  possible. 

“Your  work  is  to  prevent  forest  fires.  This  may  best  be  done  by  meeting  citizens 
and  residents,  acquainting  them  with  the  importance  of  preventing  fires,  and  urging 
them  to  cooperate  with  the  Government  and  State  to  this  end.  You  are  expected  to 
explain  the  causes  of  fires  and  the  serious  damage  done  by  them  to  all  persons  who 
iseem  ignorant  of  these  matters,  and  to  win  their  approval  and  support.  There  is  no 
place  in  this  fire  protective  work  for  ill-will,  or  lack  of  harmony,  as  a result  of  your 
dealing  with  people.  You  will  find  your  chief  usefulness  as  a patrolman  to  be  in 
pointing  out  to  people  the  importance  of  fire  prevention  and  in  convincing  them  of 
the  soundness  of  your  arguments. 

“Become  thoroughly  familiar  with  the  literature  on  forest  fires  which  is  furnished  to 
you.  Make  it  a point  to  talk  with  as  many  persons  as  possible.  When  schools  are 
in  session  you  should  seek  an  opportunity  to  explain  these  matters  to  the  children  and 
the  teachers. 

“You  will  be  supplied  with  fire  literature  for  distribution  and  fire  notices  for  posting 
in  conspicuous  places,  such  as  postoffices,  schools,  country  stores,  lumber  camps,  com- 
missary stores,  sawmills,  camping  places  and  cross  roads. 

“You  should  secure  a notebook  in  which  to  take  notes  during  the  day  for  your  re- 
ports and  to  record  other  information  of  value  concerning  forest  and  fire  conditions. 
The  reports  which  you  are  to  submit  are  intended  to  show  the  number  of  fires  by  area  and 
causes,  the  area  burned  over,  and  the  damage,  not  only  for  the  fires  you  see,  but  also 
for  all  the  fires  which  occur  in  your  district.  A record  for  each  entire  year  is  desired, 
and  you  should  make  this  as  complete  as  possible,  both  by  observation  and  inquiry. 
Additional  information  of  direct  bearing  upon  the  protective  work,  such  as  the  distance 
traveled,  number  of  persons  interviewed,  amount  of  literature  distributed,  number  of 
fire  notices  posted,  and  other  matters  of  interest  should  also  be  reported.” 

In  addition  to  these  instructions  at  the  time  of  appointment,  the  State  Forester 
endeavors  to  keep  in  close  touch  with  the  Federal  patrolmen,  both  by  correspondence 
and  by  inspection.  Unfortunately,  the  amount  of  money  available  for  this  purpose 
is  so  small  that  the  work  has  been  seriously  handicapped  by  lack  of  frequent  inspec- 
tion. To  make  the  fire  protective  system  really  effective  there  should  be  two  or 
three  district  Forest  Wardens  in  the  different  parts  of  the  State,  whose  sole  duty 
would  be  to  organize,  direct,  and  instruct  the  fire  protective  work  of  the  State. 


FOEEST  FEOTECTIYE  ASSOCIATIONS 

As  soon  as  the  agreement  with  the  United  States  Department  of  Agriculture 
providing  for  the  employment  of  Federal  patrolmen  in  North  Carolina  had  been 
signed,  steps  were  taken  to  secure  the  necessary  cooperation  with  landowners 
through  the  organization  of  local  associations.  At  a meeting  held  in  Montreal, 
North  Carolina,  July  8,  1915,  the  proceedings  of  which  are  reported  in  Economic 
Paper  No.  42,  the  Tryon  Forestry  Club,  which  had  been  organized  a year  or  so 
previously,  applied  for  the  appointment  of  a patrolman  to  cooperate  with  them.  At 
this  meeting  were  also  landowners  of  the  Mount  Mitchell  region,  and  these  later 
organized  themselves  into  the  Mount  Mitchell  Forest  Protective  Association.  A 
third  one,  the  Linville  Forest  Protective  Association,  was  organized  the  following 
year.  All  three  of  these  are  still  in  existence  and  doing  much  good  work. 

THE  TRTON  FORESTRY  CLUB 

This  club,  which  was  organized  in  1911,  is  composed  of  landowners  of  Tryon 
Township  and  others  who  are  interested  in  fire  prevention,  most  of  whom  live  in  the 


Forest  Fires  isr  FTorth  Carolina 


51 


village  of  Tryon.  The  present  officers  of  the  club  are  officially  given  as  follows: 
W.  T.  Lindsey,  President;  G.  H.  Holmes,  Vice-President;  George  B.  Cobb,  Secre- 
tary-Treasurer. The  amount  of  land  controlled  by  the  members  is  comparatively 
small,  but  their  interest  and  influence  is  great.  Although  the  amount  of  money 
available  has  been  comparatively  insignificant,  the  results  of  cooperative  fire  preven- 
tion have  been  most  satisfactory. 

John  Eiis  was  appointed  Federal  Patrolman  for  the  Tryon  district  in  October, 
1915.  Among  other  things,  the  Federal  Patrolman  was  instructed  by  the  State 
Forester  as  follows : 

“You  are  expected  to  cooperate  to  the  fullest  extent  with  the  Tryon  Forestry  Club. 
It  is  understood  with  them  that  actual  fire  fighting  is  to  de  done  by  foremen  employed 
by  them  under  your  direction.  You  are  to  make  all  necessary  preliminary  arrange- 
ments with  these  foremen  so  that  they  would  know  how  to  proceed  without  your  per- 
sonal supervision.  It  may  be  necessary  for  you  to  personally  assist  them  in  their  fire 
fighting  until  they  learn  the  best  methods.  It  is  definitely  understood  that  the  Tryon 
Forestry  Club  is  to  bear  all  expenses  of  fire  fighting.  Cooperation  should  also  be 
arranged  with  the  town  of  Tryon  for  the  protection  of  its  watersheds.  You  should  en- 
deavor to  cooperate,  as  fully  as  possible,  with  the  employees  of  the  Southern  Railway 
operating  within  your  district.” 

In  tbe  annual  report  of  tbe  Collaborator  to  tbe  United  States  Forester  for  1915 
the  following  reference  to  the  work  in  Tryon  Township  is  made: 

“The  Tryon  Forestry  Club  appointed  wardens  throughout  the  township  who  promised 
to  watch  out  for  and  assist  in  extinguishing  forest  fires  free  of  cost.  The  club  also 
did  a considerable  amount  of  propaganda  work  and  induced  the  county  commissioners 
to  offer  a reward  of  $50  for  evidence  to  convict  any  one  setting  fire  to  the  woods.” 

Again,  in  the  Collaborator’s  report  for  1916,  the  work  at  Tryon  is  referred  to  as 
follows : 

“The  cooperation  with  the  Tryon  Forestry  Club  was  continued.  The  Federal  patrol- 
man, John  Riis,  who  was  appointed  in  the  fall  of  1915,  continued  his  work  during  the 
spring  fire  season  and  made  an  excellent  record.  His  district  comprised  the  town- 
ship of  Tryon,  containing  approximately  40,000  acres.  Eight  fires,  burning  over  a 
total  of  212  acres,  occurred  in  the  spring,  causing  a total  reported  damage  of  $230. 
Four  of  these  were  caused  by  the  railroad,  one  from  smoking,  one  by  a sawmill,  one 
from  a burning  building,  and  one  unknown.  The  Tryon  Forestry  Club  has  fourteen 
voluntary  fire  wardens  scattered  over  the  district,  who  are  pledged  to  fight  fires  and 
secure  assistance  when  notified  by  the  Federal  patrolman.  The  people  of  the  town- 
ship have  been  interested  and  active  in  supporting  the  work,  and  the  results  have 
been  very  encouraging.  Little  financial  support,  however,  has  been  offered,  owing  to 
the  small  amounts  of  land  owned  by  members  of  the  Tryon  Forestry  Club  and  the 
apparent  impossibility  of  collcting  assessments  or  greatly  extending  the  membership.” 

Again,  in  bis  report  for  1917,  tbe  following  reference  is  made: 

“The  Tryon  Forestry  Club,  although  small  in  numbers  and  comparatively  insignifi- 
cant as  to  land  owned  by  the  club  members,  did  good  work.  The  originator  of  several 
incendiary  fires  was  arrested  and  prosecuted,  resulting  in  his  leaving  the  State.  A 
special  subscription  was  taken  up  for  fire  fighting  most  of  which  was  expended;  and 
although  more  fires  occurred  during  the  spring  than  usual,  they  were  kept  down  to  a 
low  average  area.  The  club  reorganized  and  changed  its  management,  which  resulted 
in  closer  and  more  effective  cooperation.  A Federal  patrolman  covered  the  district 
both  spring  and  fall.” 


52 


Forest  Fires  in  North  Carolina 


Reports  of  forest  fires  from  tlie  Federal  patrolmen  in  this  township  for  the  past 
three  years  show  the  following  results: 


Table  17.— FOREST  FIRES  IN  TRYON  DISTRICT  SINCE  FEDERAL  PATROL  BEGAN 


Date 

Area  of 
Fire — 
Acres 

Total 

Damage 

Cost 
of  Extin- 
guishing 

Cause  of  Fire 

1916 

5 

s 

S 6.00 

17 - 

lA 

100 

.50 

17 

20.50 

Burning  building. 
Railroad  locomotive. 

19 

l 

100.00 

1.00 

April  20 

3 

10.00 

6.40 

Railroad  locomotive. 

21 

1 

10.00 

4.15 

Unknown. 

22 

2 

10.00 

1.90 

Railroad  locomotive. 

30.. 

100 

100.00 

15.00 

Unknown. 

Nov.  18 

1-10 

None 

.40 

Smoking. 

1917 

April  1 

25 

500.00 

10.00 

Children. 

7 

2 

None 

1.40 

Railroad  locomotive. 

12.. 

10 

14.00 

4.25 

Unknown. 

16 

7 

7.00 

4.85 

Railroad  locomotive. 

20. 

33 

300.00 

15 .85 

Burning  brush. 

20... 

1-10 

5.00 

.30 

Railroad  locomotive. 

20 

1 

6.00 

1.20 

Railroad  locomotive. 

May  11 

Vi 

12.00 

.20 

Incendiary. 

14 

1 

25.00 

1.60 

Incendiary. 

14. 

1 

20.00 

10.00 

Incendiary. 

19 

25 

625.00 

7.20 

Railroad  locomotive. 

22. 

1 

20.00 

.30 

Railroad  locomotive. 

Nov.  7. 

*150 

36.35 

a 

1 

None 

.90 

Railroad  locomotive. 

Totals 

470 

1,764.00 

150.25 

*This  fire  burned  over  many  thousand  acres  in  North  and  South  Carolina.  One  hundred  and  fifty  acres  burned 
in  Tryon  District.  No  estimate  made  of  damage,  but  very  serious  in  this  district. 


The  above  statement  covers  a period  of  two  and  one-half  years,  there  having  been 
no  fires  in  the  Tryon  district  during  the  fall  season  of  1915.  When  it  is  considered 
that  this  district  five  years  ago  was  one  of  the  worst  for  fires  in  the  State,  some  idea 
can  be  gathered  of  the  value  of  patrol  work.  The  average  fire  in  this  district 
burned  over  about  20  acres,  whereas  the  average  fire  in  the  mountain  region  as  a 
whole,  covering  approximately  the  same  period,  was  226  acres.  Again,  the  average 
area  per  township  reporting  annually  burned  over  in  the  mountain  counties  during 
the  past  three  years  was  753  acres,  whereas  the  average  area  annually  burned  over 
in  the  Tryon  district  was  188  acres.  Again,  the  average  damage  caused  by  each 
fire  in  the  entire  mountain  region  during  the  past  three  years  has  been  $555, 
whereas  the  average  damage  per  fire  in  the  Tryon  district  was  $76.70.  In  other 
words,  a saving  of  $478  per  fire  has  been  effected  at  an  average  cost  of  $6  per  fire 
for  extinguishing  it,  plus  $25  per  fire  for  patrol. 

Report  on  Operations  of  Tryon  Forestry  Club  for  Year  1917 : 

In  February,  1917,  a meeting  of  the  club  was  held,  with  the  object  of  planning 
for  operations  for  the  current  year.  The  question  of  dues  was  brought  up  and 
discussed,  as  dues  had  not  been  collected  regularly  in  the  past.  Y arious  suggestions 


Forest  Fires  in  ISTorth  Carolina 


53 


were  made,  but  no  decision  arrived  at,  and  the  meeting  adjourned  after  Captain 
Bernard  Sharp  had  undertaken  to  collect  some  funds  for  fire-fighting  purposes. 
Captain  Sharp  succeeded  in  collecting  a fund  which  is  shown  in  the  statement 
herewith  submitted. 

During  April  and  May  a number  of  fires  occurred,  which  were,  in  almost  every 
case,  extinguished  by  our  fire  fighters  before  they  had  done  much  damage.  Quite  a 
few  fires  were  started  by  locomotives  on  the  railway.  In  these  cases  the  section- 
hands  on  the  railway  helped  to  extinguish  the  fire,  if  they  were  near  enough  to  be 
communicated  with. 

The  fall  danger  season  was  short,  owing  to  snow  early  in  December.  In  the 
early  part  of  November  some  bad  fires  occurred,  one  especially,  starting  at  such  a 
distance  from  Tryon  that  it  had  gotten  too  large  to  control  before  it  was  visible 
from  this  patrol  district.  By  the  efforts  of  our  fire  fighters  it  was  held  back  and 
prevented  from  doing  much  damage  in  our  district. 

The  educational  work  being  done  by  the  State  Forestry  Department  in  coopera- 
tion with  the  Tryon  Forestry  Club  is  having  a very  beneficial  effect  in  creating  a 
sentiment  among  the  mountain  people  against  the  setting  out  of  fires. 

Financial  Statement  : 

No  complete  financial  statement  was  received  from  the  Tryon  Forestry  Club 
until  quite  recently,  and  this  only  includes  receipts  and  expenditures  for  the  year 
1917.  A summary  of  this  statement  is  herewith  given. 


1917.  Disbursements.  Receipts. 

Jan.  1.  By  amount  on  hand  $ 10.84 

Nov.  26.  By  town  of  Tryon,  cost  of  protecting  town  watersheds. . 27.25 

Dec.  31.  By  voluntary  subscriptions  110.00 

May  31.  To  labor  and  expenses,  fire  fighting  $ 20.82 

To  employment  of  patrolman,  5 days  7.00 

June  12.  To  back  pay  of  patrolmen,  additional  time,  1916 25.00 

Nov.  30.  To  labor  and  expenses,  fire  fighting 27.25 

Dec.  31.  To  tools  and  livery  expenses  2.80 

Balance  on  band  65.22 


Total  $148.09  $148.09 


No  funds  were  collected  as  regular  dues. 

MOUNT  MITCHELL  FOREST  PROTECTIVE  ASSOCIATION 

With  the  assistance  of  Mr.  L.  L.  Bishop,  then  supervisor  of  the  Mount  Mitchell 
National  Forest,  an  association  of  a number  of  the  large  and  smaller  landowners  of 
the  Mount  Mitchell  region  was  formed  in  the  fall  of  1915.  The  proposed  working 
outline  of  this  association,  as  given  in  Economic  Paper  No.  42,  pages  27  to  31,  was 
followed  as  closely  as  possible  in  its  organization,  but  this  was  subsequently  consid- 
erably modified.  At  the  present  time  a number  of  the  landowners  included  in  the 
preliminary  arrangements  are  now  doing  their  own  fire  protection  without  paying 
dues  to  the  association.  The  work,  therefore,  is  rather  loosely  organized,  although 
the  association,  still  supported  by  several  influential  members,  is  doing  good  work. 
At  the  present  time  the  board  of  directors  is  constituted  as  follows : F.  A.  Perley, 


54: 


Forest  Fires  in  Foetii  Carolina 


Black  Mountain,  president ; A.  R.  Bauman,  Montreat,  secretary  and  manager ; J.  P. 
Parker,  Black  Mountain,  C.  P.  Kerlee,  Black  Mountain,  and  J.  G.  Stikeleather, 
Asheville. 

The  annual  fire  report  of  the  Collaborator  to  the  United  States  Forester  for  1915 
states : 

“In  the  Mount  Mitchell  region  several  large  landowners  got  together  and  formed  the 
Mount  Mitchell  Forest  Fire  Protective  Association.  In  all,  $385.95  was  contributed  to 
the  funds  of  this  association,  up  to  December  31.  Disbursements  for  fire  protection 
purposes  amounted  to  $253.57,  which  leaves  a balance  of  $132.38  to  start  the  work  in 
the  spring. 

“In  addition  to  the  two  patrolmen  and  the  two  foremen  paid  from  the  fund,  two 
patrolmen  paid  by  the  Asheville  City  Waterworks  cooperated  with  the  association; 
and  the  employees  of  the  Perley  & Crockett  Lumber  Company,  which  operates  within 
the  protected  area,  assisted  in  fighting  fires. 

“Two  Federal  patrolmen,  appointed  by  the  State  Forester  under  the  Weeks  Law, 
cooperated  with  this  association;  one  man’s  district  being  in  Buncombe  County,  the 
second  one’s  in  Yancey  County.’’ 

Reference  to  tbis  Association  in  tbe  report  for  1916  is  as  follows: 

“The  Mount  Mitchell  Forest  Protective  Association,  which  was  organized  in  the  fall 
of  1915,  continued  a somewhat  precarious  and  disjointed  existence.  Several  of  the 
landowners  who  originally  appeared  much  interested  failed  to  pay  any  assessment,  and 
little  constructive  work  was  done.  A total  of  $240  was  collected  on  assessments,  and 
this,  together  with  a balance  on  hand  from  the  previous  year,  amounting  to  $132.38, 
gave  a total  working  balance  of  $378.38.  In  spite  of  the  very  serious  spring  fire  season, 
only  $30  to  $40  was  spent,  so  that  at  present  there  is  a balance  on  hand  of  some  $340. 
Perley  & Crockett,  the  largest  contributors,  have,  besides  the  cash  assessment,  fur- 
nished some  protection  from  their  men  operating  along  some  thirty  or  more  miles  of 
logging  railroad.  Two  Federal  patrolmen  cooperated  with  this  association  during  the 
spring  fire  season.  One,  working  along  the  railroad,  reported  some  84  fires  during 
March,  April,  and  May,  none  of  which  got  beyond  control.  The  other  patrolmen  re- 
ported 5 fires,  covering  357  acres,  and  a total  damage  of  $620.  Partly  owing  to  a mis- 
understanding as  to  what  district  the  Federal  patrolmen  should  he  appointed  for,  no 
such  patrolmen  were  appointed  for  the  fall  fire  season.” 

Tbe  substance  of  tbe  reference  to  tbe  work  of  tbis  association  in  tbe  Collaborator’s 
report  for  1917  is  as  follows: 

“The  Mount  Mitchell  Forest  Protective  Association  has  done  some  good  work,  although, 
greater  interest  on  the  part  of  the  management  would  have  resulted  in  increased  benefits. 
No  dues  were  paid  by  members,  partly  bcause  requests  for  them  were  not  sent  out 
until  late  in  the  season.  Fortunately,  some  $300  was  left  over  from  the  previous  year, 
and  part  of  this  was  used  for  fire-fighting  expenses.  No  regular  patrolmen  were  em- 
ployed by  the  association,  although  railroad  patrolmen  employed  by  the  Perley  & 
Crockett  Lumber  Company  were  paid  partly  from  association  funds.  One  Federal 
patrolman  cooperated  in  the  Black  Mountain  region,  both  spring  and  fall,  and  an  addi- 
tional one  patrolled  in  the  neighborhood  of  Mount  Mitchell  during  the  fall  fire  season.” 

Financial  Statement : 

Tbe  following  financial  statement  of  tbe  association  since  its  organization  shows 
that  private  landowners  in  tbe  mountains  are  willing  to  pay  out  money  for  fire 
prevention. 


Forest  Fires  in  FTorth  Carolina 


55 


Condensed  Statement  of  Receipts  and  Disbursements  of  the  Mount 
Mitchell  Forest  Protective  Association  for  1915-1917,  Inclusive: 


1915 

Contributions  from  members  

For  tools  and  tool  boxes 

Salaries  of  patrolmen  and  foremen 

Balance  


Disbursements  Receipts 

$ 385.95 

$ 94.78 

158.79 

132.38 


Total  

$ 385.95 

$ 385.95 

Balance  on  hand  January  1 .... 
Contributions  from  members. . . 

For  fire  fighting  

For  expenses  of  Secretary  

Balance  on  hand  December  1 . . 

1916 

$ 31.08 

17.49 

323.81 

$ 132.38 
240.00 

Total  

$ 372.38 

$ 372.38 

Balance  on  hand  January  1 ... . 
Contributions  from  members. . . . 

For  fire  fighting  

For  expenses  of  Secretary 

Balance  on  hand  December  1 . . 

1917 

$140.15 

2.51 

192.15 

$ 323.81 
11.00 

Total  

$ 334.81 

$ 334.81 

LINVILLE  FOREST  PROTECTIVE  ASSOCIATION 

The  Linville  Forest  Protective  Association  was  organized  at  a call  meeting  held 
at  Linville,  hi.  C.,  February  25,  1916.  This  meeting  was  attended  hy  a number  of 
representative  landowners  of  the  region,  who  showed  their  interest  in  the  movement 
by  coming  out  on  one  of  the  coldest  and  most  stormy  days  in  the  year.  The  tenta- 
tive articles  of  association  given  below  were  adopted  and  the  following  board  of 
directors  elected:  F.  P.  Howe,  Johnson  City,  Tennessee,  president;  W.  S.  Whiting, 

Elizabethton,  Tennessee,  vice-president;  J.  P.  Gibbs,  Linville,  N.  C.,  secretary- 
treasurer;  L.  D.  Ellis,  Cranberry,  FT.  C.,  and  E.  G.  Underdown,  Blowing  Pock,  FT.  C. 


List  of  Members: 


The  following  landowners  and  railroad  companies  subsequently  signified  their 
approval  of  the  step  by  applying  for  membership  and  paying  their  dues : 


R.  R. 


Name 

Boone  Fork  Lumber  Company. 

Brown.  P.  Maclay 

Cone,  Mrs.  Moses  H 

Cranberry  Iron  and  Coal  Company.... 

Daingerfield,  Elliott  

East  Tenn.  and  Western  N.  C.  Railway 

Galloway-Pease  Lumber  Company 

Guy,  E.  C 

Hartley,  J.  L 

Highland  Nursery  Company 

Hughes,  Edward  W 

Linville  Improvement  Company 

Linville  River  Railroad  Company 

MacRae,  Hugh 

Sanford  & Treadway 

Webb,  N.  F 


Postoffice  Address 

Acreage 

Mileage 

Elizabethton,  Tenn. 

4,286 

4 

Crosnore,  N.  C 

800 

Blowing  Rock,  N.  C. 

3,700 

Johnson  City,  Tenn. 

3,700 

Blowing  Rock,  N.  C. 

27 

Johnson  City,  Tenn. 

2% 

Saginaw,  Michigan  . 

1.200 

Newland,  N.  C 

563 

Linville,  N.  C 

200 

Pineola,  N.  C 

100 

Blowing  Rock,  N.  C. 

Wilmington,  N.  C.  . . 

16,000 

Johnson  City,  Tenn. 

26 

Wilmington,  N.  C.  . . 

195 

Elizabethton,  Tenn. 

1,300 

Pineola,  N.  C 

190 

56 


I' orest  Fires  in  North  Carolina 


The  first  annual  meeting  of  this  association  was  held  at  Linville,  October  3,  1916. 
Following  the  resignation  of  Mr.  Howe  as  president,  Mr.  P.  Maclaj  Brown  of  Cros- 
nore  was  elected  to  this  position.  Mr.  A.  W.  Wasey,  manager  of  the  Boone  Fork 
Lumber  Company,  Shulls  Mills,  was  elected  vice-president  in  the  place  of  Mr.  Whit- 
ing, who  had  resigned.  The  other  members  of  the  board  of  directors  were  reelected. 

The  articles  of  association,  comprising  the  constitution  and  by-laws,  which  were 
prepared  and  submitted  to  the  president  the  previous  spring,  were  carefully  dis- 
cussed, revised,  and  adopted.  They  were  later  sent  out  to  all  members  of  the  asso- 
ciation as  having  been  adopted  by  the  association  at  large.  As  these  may  hereafter 
form  a basis  upon  which  to  organize  similar  associations  in  other  parts  of  the  State, 
they  are  here  given  in  full. 

ARTICLES  OF  ASSOCIATION,  CONSTITUTION  AND  BY-LAWS 

Article  I 

Name:  The  name  of  this  Association  shall  be  The  Linville  Forest  Protective  Associa- 
tion. 

Object:  And  its  object  the  preservation  of  the  forests  of  Avery,  Caldwell,  Watauga, 
and  adjoining  counties  in  North  Carolina  from  loss  or  damage  by  fire. 

Article  II 
Place  of  Business 

Headquarters:  The  principal  place  of  business  of  this  association  shall  be  Linville, 
Avery  County,  North  Carolina. 

Article  III 

Government 

Control:  The  affairs  of  this  association  shall  be  controlled  by  a board  of  directors, 
and  five  members  shall  constitute  a full  board. 

Article  IY 

Membership 

Section  1.  Any  person,  firm  or  corporation,  who  either  as  owner,  agent,  lessee,  or  in 
any  other  capacity  is  interested  in  the  ownership  or  management  of  forest  lands  withiu 
the  limits  specified  in  Article  I shall  be  eligible  to  membership  in  this  association. 

Those  executing  this  instrument  on  or  before 191..,  shall  be 

considered  charter  members. 

Sec.  2.  Any  person,  firm,  or  corporation,  in  addition  to  those  executing  this  instru- 
ment, or  any  acting  as  agent  for  such  person,  firm,  or  corporation,  desiring  to  become 
a member  of  this  association,  shall  apply  to  the  secretary  in  writing,  which  writing 
shall  state  the  location  and  approximate  forest  acreage  of  such  land  and  miles  of  rail- 
road or  tramroad  operated  or  under  construction  by  him. 

Sec.  3.  Applications  for  membership  must  be  passed  upon  and  the  proposed  members 
elected  or  rejected  by  the  board  of  directors  at  their  next  meeting  after  receipt  thereof, 
and  it  shall  take  a majority  affirmative  vote  to  elect  to  membership. 

Sec.  4.  No  person,  firm,  or  corporation  shall  exercise  the  rights  or  be  entitled  to 
the  privileges  of  membership  until  he,  or  it,  shall  have  signed  the  roll  and  subscribed 
to  these  Articles  of  Association  and  By-Laws. 

Sec.  5.  The  interest  of  each  member  shall  be  equal  to  that  of  any  other  member,  and 
no  member  can  acquire  an  interest  which  will  entitle  him  to  a greater  voice,  authority, 
or  interest  than  any  other  member. 

Sec.  6.  Membership  in  the  association  may  be  terminated  by  formal  withdrawal 
of  the  member,  which  shall  be  in  writing,  delivered  to  the  secretary,  by  death  or  ex- 
pulsion, provided  that  termination  of  membership  shall  not  relieve  the  member  of  the 
liabilities  of  the  association  then  existing. 


Forest  Fires  in  North  Carolina 


57 


Sec.  7.  A member  may  be  expelled  from  the  association  for  any  of  the  following 
reasons: 

a.  Failure  to  timely  pay  any  assessment  levied  by  the  association. 

b.  Failure  by  a member  to  observe  and  conform  to  the  by-laws  of  this  association. 

c.  The  board  of  directors  shall  have  the  power  to  expel  members,  but  it  shall  take 
a majority  vote  of  all  directors  to  expel,  and  then  only  after  due  hearings  and  for  cause. 

Sec.  8.  When  an  individual,  firm,  or  corporation  ceases  to  be  a member  of  the 
association  for  any  cause,  he  shall  receive  no  •remuneration  for  any  interest  he  may 
claim  in  the  property  of  the  association.  Membership  in  the  association  gives  no  interest 
in  the  property  of  the  association,  or  in  the  land  or  timber  holdings  of  any  other 
member  of  the  association. 

Sec.  9.  Any  person  interested  in  forest  protection  in  western  North  Carolina,  even 
though  owning  no  acres  of  woodland  within  the  limits  specified,  nor  being  pecuniarily 
interested  in  any  woodland,  may  become  an  honorary  member  of  this  association  upon 
the  majority  vote  of  all  members  present  at  any  regular  meeting. 

Sec.  10.  Dues  for  honorary  membership  shall  be  one  dollar  (ifl)  per  annum,  but 
donations  in  excess  of  this  amount  may  be  contributed. 

Sec.  11.  Honorary  members  may  take  part  in  all  meetings,  discussions,  and  other 
activities  of  the  association,  but  their  vote  may  be  suspended  on  questions  of  policy 
and  finance. 

Article  V 

Assessment 

Section  1.  The  funds  to  defray  the  expenses  of  the  association  shall  be  raised  by 

assessment  of  the  members  thereof,  as  shown  by  the  roll  of  membership. 

Sec.  2.  The  board  of  directors  shall  have  the  power  to  levy  and  enforce  the  payment 
of  assessments  to  defray  the  expenses  and  maintenance,  and  to  promote  the  objects  of 
the  association. 

Sec.  3.  The  amount  of  assessments  shall  be  determined  by  the  board  of  directors, 

and  shall  be  made  uniform,  based  on  the  total  acreage  of  lands  of  the  members  and 

upon  the  total  mileage  of  railroad  lines  either  operating  or  under  construction,  owned 
or  operated  by  members.  In  no  case  shall  an  assessment  exceed  the  sum  of  one-half 
of  one  cent  per  acre  and  $5  per  mile  of  railroad,  nor  shall  more  than  two  such  assess- 
ments be  made  during  one  calendar  year;  provided:  That  in  cases  of  emergency 
seventy-five  per  cent  of  the  membership  may  vote  an  additional  necessary  assessment. 
Each  member  shall  be  required  to  pay  assessments  on  the  basis  of  the  numbers  of  acres 
and  miles  of  railroad  each  controls,  owns  or  is  interested  in.  Members  who  own  no 
land  or  lines  of  railroad  shall  not  be  required  to  pay  an  assessment  of  more  than  $1 
per  year,  though  contributions  exceeding  that  amount  may  be  accepted. 

Sec.  4.  When  assessment  shall  have  been  levied  by  the  board  of  directors,  notice 
thereof  shall  immediately  be  sent  to  the  members  of  the  association,  and  all  such  assess- 
ments must  be  paid  within  thirty  days  from  notice  thereof,  and  no  additional  assess- 
ments shall  be  called  until  at  least  thirty  days  after  the  previous  assessment. 

Article  VI 
Meetings 

Section  1.  There  shall  be  an  annual  meeting  of  the  association,  held  at  its  piincipal 
place  of  business  on  the  second  Tuesday  of  August  of  each  year,  for  the  election  of 
directors  to  manage  the  affairs  of  the  association  for  the  ensuing  year  and  for  the 
transaction  of  such  other  business  as  may  properly  come  before  it. 

Sec.  2.  Notice  of  the  time  and  place  of  the  annual  meeting  shall  be  sent  at  least 
ten  days  prior  thereto  by  the  secretary  to  each  member  to  the  address  appearing  on 
the  records  of  the  association  as  the  postoffice  address  of  such  member,  and  such 
notice  shall  be  sufficient. 

Sec.  3.  Special  meetings  of  the  association  may  be  called  at  any  time  by  resolution 
of  the  board  of  directors,  by  the  president,  or  by  the  secretary  upon  request  of  not  less 
than  four  regular  members.  Seven  members  shall  constitute  a quorum  for  the  trans- 
action of  business. 


58 


Forest  Fires  in  ISTorth  Carolina 


Sec.  4.  The  order  of  business  at  all  meetings  of  the  association  and  of  the  board  of 
directors  shall  be,  as  far  as  practicable,  as  follows: 

a.  Call  to  order 

b.  Calling  of  roll 

c.  Reading  of  minutes  of  previous  meeting 

d.  Approval  of  minutes  of  previous  meeting 

e.  Report  of  secretary-treasurer 

f.  Report  of  manager 

g.  Reports  of  committees 

h.  Election  of  members 

i.  Election  of  directors  and  officers 

j.  Unfinished  business 

k.  Communications 

l.  New  business 

m.  Adjournment. 

Sec.  5.  The  board  of  directors  shall  hold  meetings  on  the  second  Tuesday  of  August 
of  each  year  at  the  principal  place  of  business  of  the  association,  and  such  other  meet- 
ings as  they  may  deem  proper  and  wise.  The  president  or  a majority  of  the  directors 
may  at  any  time  call  a meeting  of  the  board  of  directors. 

Article  VII 
Board  of  Directors 

Section  1.  The  board  of  directors  shall  have  power  to  fix  the  time  and  place  of  all 
regular  (and  special)  meetings,  to  appoint  committees,  either  from  their  own  mem- 
bers or  members  from  the  association  or  their  representatives,  or  in  such  cases  as  in 
their  discretion  seem  advisable,  to  authorize  the  president  to  do  so. 

Sec.  2.  They  shall  have  power  to  adopt  and  carry  into  effect  such  measures  as  they 
deem  proper  to  promote  the  object  of  the  association. 

Sec.  3.  They  shall  have  power  to  levy  all  assessments,  based  upon  the  acreage  and 
railroad  mileage  of  each  member,  compared  with  the  whole  acreage  and  mileage  of  the 
entire  membership. 

Sec.  4.  They  shall  have  power  to  appoint  and  to  fix  the  salaries  of  any  and  all  agents 
or  employees  of  the  association,  except  such  as  are  fixed  by  law;  to  authorize  the  pay- 
ment of  all  obligations  incurred  by  the  association;  and  to  transact  all  other  business 
of  said  association. 

Sec.  5.  A majority  of  the  members  of  the  board  of  directors  shall  constitute  a 
quorum  for  the  transaction  of  general  business,  and  the  president  shall  be  chairman 
of  the  board  of  directors. 

Sec.  6.  The  directors  may  elect  members  of  the  association  to  fill  vacancies  on  the 
board  caused  by  death,  resignation,  or  other  causes. 

Sec.  7.  The  directors  shall  have  power  to  do  all  other  business  and  transact  all  other 
business  that  may  lawfully  be  done  and  transacted  under  the  laws  of  North  Carolina. 

Article  VIII 

Officers 

Section  1.  The  officers  of  the  association  shall  consist  of  a president,  a vice-president, 
a secretary-treasurer,  and  a board  of  five  directors,  who  shall  be  elected  at  the  annual 
meeting  of  the  association,  and  who,  in  all  cases,  shall  be  members  of  the  association. 

Sec.  2.  The  president  shall  preside  at  all  meetings  and  shall  have  general  supervision 
of  the  affairs  of  the  association. 

Sec.  3.  The  vice-president  shall  exercise  all  the  functions  of  the  president  in  the 
absence  of  the  president. 

Sec.  4.  The  secretary-treasurer  shall  issue  notices  of  all  meetings  of  the  association, 
either  regular  or  special  meetings  of  the  board  of  directors;  he  shall  sign  with  the 
president  such  instruments  as  require  his  signature  and  shall  keep  and  issue  lists  of 
the  members  of  the  association;  he  shall  collect  assessments  levied  by  the  board  of 


Forest  Fires  in  Worth  Carolina 


59 


directors,  make  out  vouchers  covering  legitimate  expenses  of  the  association  and  attest 
them,  shall  make  out  reports,  and  shall  perform  such  other  duties  as  are  incident  to  his 
office  or  are  properly  required  of  him  by  the  board  of  directors.  He  shall  receive  all 
moneys  belonging  to  the  association,  keep  an  accurate  account  of  same  and  pay  them 
out  only  upon  a duly  authorized  voucher  drawn  by  the  secretary  with  the  approval  of 
the  hoard  of  directors.  At  the  end  of  his  term  of  office  he  shall  turn  over  to  his  duly 
elected  successor  all  moneys  in  his  hands  belonging  to  the  association. 

Article  IX 
Term  of  Office 

The  term  of  office  of  all  officers  of  the  association  shall  be  one  year  from  the  second 
Tuesday  in  August  of  each  year,  or  until  their  successors  are  duly  elected  and  have 
qualified. 

Article  X 
Amendments 

These  articles  may  be  amended  at  any  annual  meeting,  or  special  meeting,  of  the  mem- 
bers of  the  association  by  a majority  vote  of  the  members  present,  in  person  or  by  proxy, 
at  such  meeting;  said  amendment  must,  however,  be  submitted  to  the  secretary  in 
writing  at  least  one  month  before  said  meeting,  or  in  ample  time  for  him  to  incorporate 
same  in  his  notice  or  call  for  said  meeting,  which  notice  shall  in  all  cases  contain  the 
full  text  of  the  proposed  amendment. 


Tlie  second  annual  meeting  was  unavoidably  delayed  and  was  not  lield  until  Octo- 
ber 9,  1917.  Delegates  to  tbis  meeting  came  from  Wilmington,  Asheville,  and 
other  points.  Great  interest  was  shown  in  the  work.  An  important  change  was 
made  by  electing  a secretary  separate  from  and  in  addition  to  the  manager.  The 
following  board  of  directors  was  elected  for  the  ensuing  year,  two  of  the  officers 
having  had  to  resign  on  account  of  the  exigencies  of  war:  E.  C.  Eobbins,  Pineola, 
1ST.  C.,  president;  T.  W.  Hampton,  Shulls  Mills,  1ST.  C.,  vice-president;  J.  F.  Gibbs, 
Linville,  W.  C.,  manager ; L.  D.  Ellis,  Cranberry,  W.  C.,  and  E.  G.  Underdown, 
Blowing  Eock,  W.  C.  George  C.  Love  of  Pineola,  W.  C.,  was  elected  secretary. 

The  work  of  this  association  was  referred  to  in  the  Collaborator’s  report  to  the 
United  States  Forester  for  1916  as  follows: 

“In  spite  of  the  very  limited  assistance  the  State  was  able  to  contribute,  owing  to  the 
lack  of  an  appropriation,  private  cooperation  was  extended  in  1916.  The  Linville  Forest 
Protective  Association  was  definitely  organized  in  February,  with  headquarters  at  Lin- 
ville in  Avery  County.  Landowners,  extending  from  Blowing  Rock  on  the  Blue  Ridge 
westerly  almost  to  the  Tennessee  line  and  controlling  an  area  of  some  33.000  acres  in 
Avery,  Caldwell,  and  Watauga  counties,  agreed  to  some  general  articles  of  association, 
a copy  of  which  is  attached.  The  chief  feature  of  these  articles  is  the  assessment,  which 
is  based  not  only  upon  the  amount  of  land  represented,  but  also  upon  the  miles  of 
railroad  operated  or  under  construction  in  the  area.  A preliminary  assessment  of  half  a 
cent  an  acre  and  $5  per  mile  for  railroads  was  paid  in  by  all  members.  A total  of 
$330.68  was  thus  contributed  to  the  fire  protection  fund  of  this  organization.  Owing 
possibly  to  a failure  on  the  part  of  the  management  to  grasp  the  necessity  for  vigorous 
action,  few  patrolmen  were  appointed  and  comparatively  little  of  this  sum  was  spent. 
Unfortunately,  a considerable  number  of  serious  fires  occurred  both  on  and  surrounding 
this  area,  which  might  at  least  in  part  have  been  prevented  had  more  complete  control 
been  organized.  Though  a second  assessment  of  the  same  size  was  expected  before 
the  fall  fire  season,  it  was  not  thought  necessary  to  call  for  this,  so  that  only  the  first 
assessment  has  been  made.  One  Federal  patrolman  cooperated  with  this  association, 
with  his  district  at  the  extreme  eastern  end  of  the  area.  A second  patrolman  was 
offered  to  the  association  during  the  fall  fire  season,  but  the  season  was  so  short  and 
light  that  this  was  not  taken  advantage  of.” 


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Forest  Fires  in  ISTorth  Carolina 


The  report  of  the  Collaborator  for  1917  contains  this  reference: 

“The  Linville  Forest  Protective  Association,  controlling  some  33,000  acres  in  Avery, 
Caldwell,  and  Watauga  counties,  employed  two  patrolmen  throughout  the  spring  and 
fall  fire  seasons.  In  addition  to  these  two  men,  some  of  the  members  employed  their 
own  patrolmen,  who  cooperated  with  those  employed  by  the  association.  The  members 
are  thoroughly  interested,  and  practically  all  of  them  have  paid  their  dues  to  date; 
$316.91  semiannual  dues  having  been  received  during  the  fall.  No  account,  however,  has 
been  received  of  expenditures.  One  Federal  patrolman  cooperated  with  this  association, 
both  in  the  spring  and  fall,  on  the  Blowing  Rock  end  of  the  district. 

“No  complete  official  statement  has  been  submitted  by  the  manager,  so  that  only  an 
incomplete  one  can  be  supplied.  As  all  the  subscriptions  of  this  association  have  been 
made  through  the  office  of  the  State  Geological  and  Economic  Survey,  the  receipts, 
therefore,  are  known.  A statement  of  expenditures  has  recently  been  submitted  by 
the  manager. 


Financial  Statement : 

Linville  Forest  Protective  Association 


1916 

Semi-annual  dues  from  members 

Salaries  of  patrolmen,  fall  season 

Balance  on  hand  December  31  


Disbursements.  Receipts. 

$ 330.68 

$ 85.40 

245.28 


Total  $ 330.68  $ 330.68 

1917 

Balance  on  hand  January  1 $ 245.28 

Semi-annual  dues  from  members 315.91 

Fire-fighting  tools  $ 82.59 

Salaries  of  patrolmen,  spring  season  178.40 

Fire  fighting,  spring  season  27.00 

Salaries  of  patrolmen,  fall  season  76.00 

Postage  2.00 

Balance  on  hand  December  31,  1917  195.20 


Total  $ 561.19  $ 561.19 


PROPOSED  SMOKY  MOUNTAINS  PROTECTIVE  ASSOCIATION 

Several  efforts  have  been  made  to  enlist  the  interest  of  the  large  timberland 
owners  of  the  Smoky  Mountains  region  of  the  State  in  organized  fire  prevention, 
but  so  far  no  substantial  results  have  been  effected.  A plan  outlined  and  sub- 
mitted to  these  owners  by  mail  was  later  advocated  by  the  State  Forester  before 
many  of  them  at  the  spring  meeting  of  the  Appalachian  Logging  Congress  held  in 
Asheville,  FT.  C.,  April  28-29,  1916.  This  plan  differed  from  those  of  associations 
already  established  chiefly  in  the  proposal  to  maintain  several  lookout  stations  on 
the  higher  peaks  of  the  district. 

The  plan  as  presented  at  this  meeting  was  as  follows : 

Object:  The  object  of  this  association  should  be  to  protect  from  fires  the  lands  of 
the  members  by  the  employment  of  patrolmen,  lookouts,  etc.,  and  by  cooperation  with 
the  State  and  Federal  governments. 

Area:  The  area  covered  by  this  association  would  be  bounded,  roughly  speaking,  by 
the  Tennessee  State  line  on  the  north;  Pigeon  River  on  the  east;  the  Murphy  Branch 
of  the  Southern  Railway  on  the  south;  and  the  Tennessee  line  and  Hanging  Dog  Creek 
on  the  west.  It  would  thus  comprise  approximately  the  northeastern  part  of  Cherokee, 
the  whole  of  Graham,  the  northern  part  of  Swain,  the  northern  portion  of  Jackson,  and 
the  northwestern  part  of  Haywood  counties. 


Forest  Fires  in  jSTorth  Carolina 


61 


Organization:  The  association  should  be  regularly  organized,  all  landowners  and 
operators  in  the  area  being  eligible  for  membership.  The  management  of  affairs  should 
be  in  the  hands  of  an  executive  committee  and  business  transacted  as  in  other  organiza- 
tions. 

Management:  The  entire  protective  work  should  be  under  the  management  of  one 
man,  who  should  be  employed  by  the  association  for  this  purpose.  This  man  should  have 
the  energy,  training  and  experience  that  would  fit  him  for  such  work.  He  should  be  paid 
for  part  or  all  of  his  time  according  to  the  size  of  the  association  and  the  funds 
available. 

If  any  work  ever  required  the  close  and  undistracted  attention  of  an  expert,  this 
does.  The  chief  difficulty  in  starting  small  cooperative  associations  is  in  securing 
competent  management  for  the  limited  compensation  they  are  able  to  pay.  It  has 
been  suggested  that  a good  man  could  look  after  two  contiguous  associations;  for 
instance,  this  and  the  Fisgah  Association,  should  one  be  organized,  or  even  this  and 
the  Mount  Mitchell  Association.  This  seems  an  excellent  plan,  and  there  is  no  apparent 
reason  why  it  could  not  be  worked  out  satisfactorily. 

Lookouts:  The  protective  work  of  the  association  should  be  based  upon  a system  of 
lookouts.  These  should  be  near  enough  together  to  be  seen  one  from  the  other,  and  should 
be  so  placed  as  to  command  a view  of  the  largest  amount  of  territory.  The  final 
decision  as  to  their  locations  should  be  left  to  the  manager.  All  lookouts  should  be 
connected  with  the  manager’s  office  by  telephone.  The  following  lookouts  are  sug- 
gested: 

(1)  Teyahali  Bald:  This  peak  commands  a view  of  the  greater  part  of  Graham 
County.  It  is  within  a mile  or  a mile  and  a half  of  the  telephone  from  Andrews  to 
Robbinsville.  Two  additional  lookouts  in  Graham  County  would  make  protection  much 
more  effective. 

(2)  Shuck  Stack:  This  commands  a view  of  the  extreme  western  corner  of  Swain 

County  and  most  of  the  northern  part  of  Graham  County.  It  is  within  a mile  and  a 
half  of  the  Montvale  Lumber  Company’s  camp. 

(3)  High  Rocks:  From  this  station  can  be  seen  all  of  Hazel  Creek  and  Forney  Creek 

watersheds.  It  is  within  a short  distance  of  the  Norwood  Lumber  Company’s  camp 
and  of  the  Ritter  Lumber  Company’s  operations. 

(4)  Newton  Bald:  This  peak  commands  a view  of  Deep  Creek,  Mingus  Mill  Creek, 

and  the  Oconalufty  region.  It  is  somewhat  farther  from  telephone  communication  than 
the  former  lookouts,  but  to  make  it  effective  telephones  should  be  built  there. 

(5)  Lufty  Knob:  From  this  Knob  can  be  seen  practically  all  of  the  Champion  Lum- 

ber Company’s  tract,  and  also  the  headwaters  of  Oconalufty. 

(6)  Plott  Balsam:  In  case  the  landowners  in  and  around  the  Plott  Balsam  come 

into  this  arrangement,  a lookout  should  be  established  on  one  of  the  highest  and  best 
placed  of  the  peaks  in  this  range.  Telephone  communication  should  be  established 
with  Balsam  or  some  other  station  on  the  Southern  Railway. 

Association  Patrol:  In  addition  to  the  lookouts,  and  to  cooperate  with  them,  it  will 
probably  be  necessary  for  the  association  to  employ  patrolmen.  The  number  of  these 
and  the  location  of  their  beats  must  be  determined  by  the  manager  upon  the  ground. 

District  Wardens:  In  order  to  complete  the  effectiveness  of  the  lookout  system  there 

must  be  men  appointed  for  the  different  districts  who  can  be  depended  upon  to  summon 
assistance  and  extinguish  fires  when  notified  of  them  by  the  lookouts  or  patrolmen. 
These  men  should  have  access  to  the  tools  owned  by  the  association  or  the  tools  of  some 
lumber  company;  they  should  be  paid  a retaining  fee  of  $5  a year  for  looking  out  for 
fires,  posting  notices,  and  making  reports;  they  should  also  be  paid  for  the  services 
they  actually  render,  at  a price  to  be  agreed  upon  between  the  wardens  and  the 
manager;  they  must  know  how  to  fight  fire  and  to  handle  men. 

Tools:  In  addition  to  the  tools  which  are,  or  should  be,  always  available  for  fire 
fighting  on  lumbering  operations,  the  association  should  own  a number  of  sets  of  fire- 
fighting tools,  which  should  be  kept  at  effective  points  where  district  wardens  or  other 
fire  fighters  could  have  access  to  them.  The  best  all-round  tool  for  fire  fighting  in 
these  mountains  is  a strong,  short-tined  potato  fork,  which  can  be  used  either  as  a 
rake  or  a mattock.  Where  there  is  no  safe  place  to  put  the  tools,  an  association  tool 
box  should  be  made  and  keys  provided  for  those  who  use  the  tools. 


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F orest  Fires  in  FTorth  Carolina 


Estimate  of  Costs:  The  total  area  covered  by  the  proposed  association  is  approxi- 
mately 665,000  acres;  the  acreage  necessary  to  make  an  effective  system,  to  include 
all  the  owners  so  far  approached  on  the  matter,  is  375,000;  this  latter  figure  has  been 
made  the  basis  of  the  following  general  estimate: 


Salary  of  manager,  1 year  $1,200 

Expenses  of  manager,  1 year 500 

Five  lookouts,  4 months  @ $40  a month 800 

Telephone  construction  and  tolls 400 

Tool  boxes  250 

Fire  fighting  500 

District  wardens,  20  @ $5 100 


$ 3,750 

The  Federal  Government  will  probably  employ  two  patrols  or  lookouts  five  months 
at  $50  = $500. 

I see  no  reason  why  the  Southern  Railway  should  not  assist  by  clearing  their 
right  of  way  from  Hazelwood  to  Fontana,  a distance  of  62  miles,  and  by  instructing 
their  employees  to  cooperate  closely  with  the  association,  as  they  are  already  doing 
near  Tryon  and  Black  Mountain. 

Conditions:  It  is  proposed  to  assess  all  members  at  the  flat  rate  of  one  cent  per  acre 

per  year  for  their  total  holdings  within  the  area.  Where  the  operator  does  not  own  the 
land,  a mutual  agreement  might  be  made  between  the  landowner  and  the  operator  to 
pay  half  of  the  assessment  each.  At  the  same  time  operators  should  guarantee  to  pre- 
vent fires  as  far  as  possible,  and  to  extinguish  at  their  own  expense  all  fires  originating 
on  their  own  operations. 

It  is  urged  that  operators  either  employ  patrolmen  to  carefully  police  their  own  lines 
of  railroad  and  their  logging  operations  during  dry  and  dangerous  weather  or  else 
consent  to  an  assessment,  in  addition  to  the  acreage  one,  of  $10  per  mile  for  all  rail- 
roads operating  or  under  construction,  as  is  done  by  the  Linville  Association.  Only 
in  some  such  way  can  the  risks  of  operating  landowners  be  equalized. 

This  question  of  costs  is  of  course  a crucial  one.  If  a landowner  feels  that  he  is 
now  getting  adequate  protection  for  himself  at  a cost  of  one-half  cent  per  acre,  a scheme 
based  upon  one  cent  per  acre  would  hardly  appeal  to  him.  Yet  one  can  scarcely  imagine 
how  any  operator  in  this  State  can  feel  secure  from  fire,  or  can  afford  to  turn  down 
any  proposal,  even  though  costing  double  what  he  has  been  paying,  without  very  care- 
fully looking  into  the  plans. 

The  basis  of  one  cent  per  acre  is  of  necessity  more  or  less  experimental,  because  cost 
figures  for  protection  in  this  State  are  not  available,  but  it  is  based  on  the  experience 
of  similar  associations  in  other  parts  of  this  country.  (See  Economic  Paper.  No.  42, 
pp.  10-14.) 

Advantages: 

1.  The  proposed  plan  is  not  offered  because  it  is  cheaper  than  the  present  plan  of 
each  owner  carrying  out  his  own  scheme  of  fire  protection,  but  because  it  is  more  effec- 
tive. The  object  is  to  prevent,  rather  than  to  extinguish  fires. 

2.  Nearly  every  man  who  has  tried  to  protect  his  own  land  from  fire  finds  that  the 
fires  most  dreaded  are  those  originating  off  his  land,  which  have  gathered  strength 
and  breadth  by  the  time  they  reach  his  boundary.  Cooperative  protection  eliminates 
most  of  these  fires. 

3.  The  Federal  Government  prefers  to  cooperate  with  an  association,  rather  than  with 
an  individual  owner;  therefore,  Federal  patrolmen  can  more  readily  be  appointed 
where  such  associations  are  in  existence. 

4.  Prosecutions  can  be  brought  in  the  name  of  the  association  without  endangering 
personal  enmity. 

5.  The  State  Geological  and  Economic  Survey  can  appoint  a certain  number  of  the 
responsible  wardens,  patrolmen,  and  lookouts  employed  by  the  association  as  State 
Forest  Wardens,  giving  them  authority  to  arrest  without  warrant,  to  summon  help 
to  fight  fires,  and  furnish  them  with  a badge  of  office  according  to  law. 


Forest  Fires  121  Xorth  Carolina 


63 


When  a State  appropriation  can  he  secured  to  carry  out  the  provisions  of  the  new 
Forestry  Law,  wardens  paid  by  the  State  can  be  appointed  to  cooperate  with  this  and 
other  associations. 

A Private  Lookout  Station  Established: 

In  line  with  the  above  fire  protective  scheme,  one  of  the  largest  owners  and  opera- 
tors of  the  Smoky  Mountains  region  has  now  established  a lookout  for  the  benefit  of 
its  own  property.  On  April  23,  1917,  Mr.  George  L.  Wood,  general  manager  of  the 
Montvale  Lumber  Company,  wrote  the  State  Forester  in  part  as  follows: 

“We  have  now  completed  the  installation  of  telephone  service  to  Little  Shuck  Stack 
Mountain,  which  point  is  located  about  one-half  mile  due  east  of  Shuck  Stack  Moun- 
tain, and  while  this  Little  Shuck  Stack  Mountain  may  not  show  on  your  map,  there  are 
some  maps  on  which  it  is  shown,  and  it  carries  about  the  same  relative  height  as  does 
Shuck  Stack  Mountain,  and  Little  Shuck  Stack  affords  a most  excellent  view  of  our 
entire  Eagle  Creek  holdings,  together  with  much  of  the  surrounding  country. 

“We  enclose  herewith  copy  of  instructions  that  we  sent  to  our  Superintendent  at 
Fontana  to  be  followed  in  maintaining  the  service  of  a lookout. 

“Most  of  our  forest  Are  trouble  on  Eagle  Creek  has  been  due  to  fire  approaching  our 
property  from  the  Twenty-mile  side,  and  this  is  one  of  our  strong  reasons  for  selecting 
Little  Shuck  Stack  as  a lookout,  so  we  can  keep  a general  lookout  over  the  west  as 
well  as  discover  any  that  originate  on  our  Eagle  Creek  holdings.  Just  how  far  the 
adjoining  timber  holders  will  cooperate  with  us  we  do  not  know,  but  will  try  and  write 
you  further.” 

Letter  of  Instructions  for  Guidance  of  Lookout: 


Baltimore,  Md.,  April  18,  1917. 

W.  W.  Pruett,  Superintendent, 

Fontana,  N.  C. 

The  following  instructions  shall  be  closely  followed  and  rigidly  enforced  governing 
the  operating  and  maintaining  of  the  lookout  station  which  has  been  established  on 
Little  Shuck  Stack  Mountain,  which  point  is  within  the  property  lines  of  the  Montvale 
Lumber  Company,  and  which  point  has  been  selected  for  a lookout  station  because  it 
affords  an  excellent  and  unobstructed  view  of  the  entire  watershed  of  Eagle  Creek  and 
much  of  the  surrounding  country,  from  which  point  also  can  be  plainly  seen  lands 
owned  by  many  other  timberland  owners  within  a radius  of  many  miles. 

Duties  of  Lootzout: 

а.  The  lookout  shall  arrive  at  the  lookout  station  not  later  than  8 o’clock  each  and 
every  morning  and  remain  on  constant  duty  until  near  sundown  during  dry  weather 
during  the  spring  and  fall  periods.  (During  damp  and  wet  days  the  lookout  shall  not 
he  required  to  report  at  the  lookout  station  for  duty.) 

б.  Immediately  upon  arrival  at  the  station  he  shall  make  a thorough  view  inspection 
of  the  entire  watershed  of  Eagle  Creek  to  detect  and  definitely  locate  any  forest  fire 
that  may  then  be  burning  on  the  property  of  the  Montvale  Lumber  Company. 

c.  Immediately  following  the  view  inspection  of  Eagle  Creek  he  shall  then  carefully 
look  over  the  surrounding  territory  in  every  direction  and  definitely  locate  as  nearly 
as  possible  any  forest  fire  that  may  then  be  burning. 

d.  Promptly  upon  completing  the  above  observation  under  5 and  c,  he  shall  call  by 
phone  the  general  officer  of  the  Montvale  Lumber  Company,  at  Fontana,  N.  C.,  and 
report  the  results  of  his  observation  clearly  and  distinctly,  and  if  any  fire  or  fires 
have  been  noticed,  to  give  location  and  size  as  correctly  as  possible,  at  which  time  the 
Fontana  office  will  promptly  detail  sufficient  men  to  extinguish  it,  if  on  the  property  of 
the  Montvale  Lumber  Company. 

e.  He  shall  remain  constantly  on  duty  throughout  all  dry  days  and  report  all  forest 
fires  to  the  Fontana  office  just  as  quickly  as  possible  after  location  and  size  of  fires 
have  been  determined. 


64 


Forest  Fires  in  Forth  Carolina 


/.  In  addition  to  reporting  fires  as  they  appear,  he  shall  also  call  and  report  to  the 
office  by  phone  each  hour,  on  the  hour,  stating  whether  any  fires  can  be  sighted  and 
if  everything  is  O.  K. 

g.  He  shall  be  supplied  with  and  keep  a record  book  in  the  phone  station  box  in 
which  he  will  record  daily  (when  on  duty)  the  hour  of  his  arrival,  the  location,  size 
and  time  of  all  forest  fires  sighted  and  reported  by  him,  and  a report  of  weather  con- 
ditions, direction  of  the  wind  and  its  estimated  velocity,  and  the  exact  time  of  his 
departure  from  the  lookout  station  for  the  night. 

PROPOSED  EASTERN  CAROLINA  FOREST  PROTECTIVE  ASSOCIATION 

Following  the  disastrous  forest  fires  of  1916  in  which  millions  of  dollars  worth  of 
property  was  lost  by  the  timberland  owners  of  this  State,  the  members  of  the  Forth 
Carolina  Pine  Association,  with  headquarters  at  Forfolk,  Ya.,  became  aroused  to  the 
necessity  of  doing  something  definite  to  protect  their  timberlands  from  fire.  The  sub- 
ject was  presented  by  the  State  Forester  and  by  two  or  three  Federal  foresters  at  two 
successive  monthly  meetings  of  the  association  in  the  spring  of  1917,  and  conferences 
were  held  by  interested  members  to  decide  on  the  preliminary  steps.  The  following 
outline  which  might  form  the  basis  of  organization  was  submitted  to  a number  of 
the  more  or  less  interested  members  of  the  association.  Owing  partly  to  the 
entrance  of  the  United  States  into  war  and  the  consequent  interruption  of  business, 
no  further  action  has  yet  been  taken.  It  is  hoped  that  Eastern  Forth  Carolina  may 
soon  have  one  or  more  strong  associations  of  this  kind  to  assist  the  State  and  Fed- 
eral governments  in  protecting  the  valuable  forests  from  fire. 

Suggestions  for  the  Management  of  the  Proposed  Forest  Protective  Association  in 
the  Coastal  Plain  Region  of  North  Carolina,  Virginia,  and  South  Carolina: 

1.  That  the  proposed  association  be  independent  of  the  North  Carolina  Pine  Associa- 
tion, and  be  formed  under  the  laws  of  North  Carolina,  as  practically  all  the  land  rep- 
resented by  the  possible  members  would  be  in  North  Carolina.  The  name  “Eastern 
Carolina  Forest  Protective  Association”  has  been  suggested. 

2.  On  the  basis  of  one  million  acres,  a minimum  annual  revenue  of  $10,000  would 
be  received.  Approximately  $2,500  of  this  should  be  spent  for  the  salary  and  field 
expenses  of  the  manager,  who  should  be  a man  of  experience,  tact,  and  enthusiasm,  em- 
ployed on  a good  salary,  and  spending  the  larger  part  of  his  time  in  the  field.  His 
correspondence  might  be  handled  largely  through  a clerk  who  might,  a part  of  the  time, 
be  otherwise  employed  by  some  member  of  the  association. 

3.  The  funds  should  be  handled  by  a treasurer,  who  should  be  a well-known  public 
man,  so  that  all  members  and  employees  would  have  confidence  in  him.  The  clerk  or  the 
manager  might,,  with  advantage,  be  in  the  office  of  the  treasurer. 

4.  The  sum  of  $1,000  should  be  reserved  for  contingencies. 

5.  The  remaining  $6,500  should  be  spent  almost  entirely  for  the  employment  of  forest 
wardens,  who  should  be  paid  for  patrolling,  educational  work,  fire  fighting,  etc.,  at  the 
average  of  one  hundred  days  a year,  or  approximately  $250  each.  This  would  pro- 
vide for  25  wardens  to  look  after  one  million  acres  of  forest  land,  giving  each  one 
an  average  of  40,000  acres. 

6.  These  forest  wardens  should  go  on  duty  ten  days  or  two  weeks  before  the  dangerous 
fire  season  commences  each  spring  and  fall.  This  part  of  their  time  should  be  de- 
voted to  posting  notices  and  to  other  publicity  and  educational  work. 

7.  Fire-fighting  expenses  should  be  paid  as  soon  as  possible  by  the  association,  but 
these  costs  should  be  assessed  by  the  association  on  the  land  benefitted,  or  on  the  parties 
responsible  for  the  fire. 

8.  Local  or  district  wardens  who  are  employed  for  fire  fighting  only  should  not  be 
paid,  except  for  fire  fighting,  unless  it  were  thought  advisable  to  pay  them  a retain- 


Forest  Fires  in  ISTorth  Carolina 


65 


ing  fee  of  $5  or  $10  each.  These  men  would  be  at  the  call  of  the  regular  forest  wardens, 
and  should  take  charge  of  fire  fighting  and  summon  assistance  in  the  absence  of  the 
forest  wardens. 

9.  Forest  wardens  in  North  Carolina  might  be  appointed  State  township  wardens 
under  the  State  Forestry  law,  provided  acceptable  men  were  employed.  This  would 
give  them  the  backing  of  the  State  law  and  make  their  work  effective. 

10.  All  forest  wardens  and  other  employees  of  the  association  would  be  requested  to 

fill  out  reports  in  regard  to  forest  fires,  etc.,  for  the  State  Forester  from  time  to  time, 
as  might  be  requested  by  him.  j.  s.  Holmes, 

State  Forester. 


CO-OPERATION  WITH  RAILROADS 

In  Economic  Paper  FTo.  33,  pages  48  to  52,  published  in  1913,  reference  is  made 
to  cooperation  in  fire  protection  furnished  by  railroads  in  other  states. 

So  far  no  very  extensive  cooperative  arrangements  have  been  entered  into  between 
the  railroads  operating  in  FTorth  Carolina  and  the  State  Forester,  and  none  can  be 
expected  until  the  State  takes  a more  active  and  broadminded  grasp  of  the  situation. 
Several  of  the  large  railroads  of  the  State  have,  however,  taken  decided  steps  to 
control  fires  along  their  own  roads,  and  some  of  them  have  cooperated  either 
directly  with  the  Survey  or  through  the  Forest  Protective  Associations. 


SOUTHERN  RAILWAY 

In  response  to  a request  by  the  State  Forester  for  assistance  in  controlling  fires 
along  the  line  of  the  Southern  Railway  in  Polk  County  where  it  penetrates  the 
Tryon  Forest  Fire  District,  the  following  instructions  were  issued  to  train  crews  and 
track  forces : 


BULLETIN 

Asheville,  N.  C.,  October  22,  1915. 

Engineers  and  Conductors: 

I have  just  been  advised  that  the  Tryon  (N.  C.)  Forestry  Club  has  secured  the  ap- 
pointment of  a Federal  patrolman  for  that  community,  which  includes  territory  on  both 
sides  of  our  main  track  between  Tuxedo  and  Landrum,  and  the  patrolman,  whose  name 
is  John  Riis,  will  have  headquarters  at  Tryon,  North  Carolina. 

I have  been  requested  by  the  State  Forester  of  North  Carolina  to  cooperate  with 
the  patrolman  in  the  way  of  reporting  fires,  either  on  or  off  of  our  right  of  way, 
in  the  territory  above  mentioned,  and  to  the  end  that  we  may  be  of  some  assistance  in 
the  matter  of  preserving  the  forests.  I am  going  to  request  that  you  report  by  tele- 
graph to  our  agent  at  Tryon,  N.  C.,  in  each  instance  when  fire  is  discovered  by  you 
in  territory  referred  to,  and  the  agent  at  Tryon,  who  will  receive  a copy  of  this  bulletin, 
will  arrange  to  extend  notice  to  patrolman  with  as  little  delay  as  possible,  using  his 
station-hand  to  deliver  such  notice,  provided  there  be  no  other  means  of  reaching  the 
patrolman. 

Please  be  governed  accordingly.  F.  S.  Collins, 

Superintendent. 

Post: 

Asheville — Old  Yard  office 

Asheville — New  yard  office 

Asheville — Roundhouse 

Hendersonville 

Saluda 

Hayne 

Biltmore. 

Cy  Agent  Tryon,  N.  C. 

Cy  W.  G.  L. 


5 


66 


Forest  Fires  in  North  Carolina 


The  above  is  self-explanatory,  and  you  will  please  arrange  at  once  to  instruct  all  of 
your  track  foremen  in  the  territory  referred  to,  that  in  addition  to  their  lending  assist- 
ance in  extinguishing  fires  either  on  or  off  the  right  of  way,  that  they  will  also 
promptly  notify  the  patrolman  through  our  agent  at  Tryon  in  each  case  of  fire;  it 
being  understood  that  such  foremen  as  do  not  work  in  and  out  of  Tryon  can  get  to 
some  other  telegraph  office  when  telegraphic  report  is  made. 

Cy  A.  S.  G.  as  information. 

BULLETIN 

Asheville,  N.  C.,  March  13,  1916. 

Engineers  and  Conductors: 

Please  refer  to  my  bulletin  of  October  22,  regarding  appointment  of  Federal  patrolman, 
to  look  after  territory  between  Tuxedo  and  Landrum,  with  headquarters  at  Tryon, 
North  Carolina. 

I have  just  been  advised  by  State  Forester  Holmes  that  he  has  reappointed  Mr. 
John  Riis  as  Federal  patrolman  throughout  the  spring  fire  season,  and  requests  that 
we  cooperate  with  him  in  the  way  of  reporting  fires,  either  on  or  off  the  right  of  way 
in  the  territory  mentioned,  and  in  each  instance  when  fire  is  discovered  by  you,  you 
will  promptly  make  a wire  report  to  our  agent  at  Tryon,  N.  C.,  who  will  convey  the 
information  to  Mr.  Riis. 

Please  be  governed  accordingly.  F.  S.  Collins, 

Superintendent. 

Post  at: 

Asheville — “XO” 

Asheville — Roundhouse 

Biltmore 

Hendersonville 

Saluda 

Hayne. 

Cy  Agent  Tryon,  N.  C. 

Cy  Roadmaster,  Asheville. 

Please  see  mine  of  October  22,  and  renew  your  instructions  to  track  forces  in  regard 
to  the  matter. 

This  railway  has,  for  several  years,  been  cooperating  with  the  National  Forest 
Administration  by  cleaning  up  its  right  of  way  through  the  Mount  Mitchell  Na- 
tional Forest. 

In  addition  to  this,  the  section  crew  at  Black  Mountain  has  cooperated  with  the 
Federal  patrolman  there  in  clearing  the  railroad  right  of  way  each  year  of  inflam- 
mable material. 

OTHER  RAILROAOS 

The  East  Tennessee  and  Western  North  Carolina  Railroad,  which  only  pene- 
trates this  State  for  a few  miles  in  Avery  County,  and  the  Linville  River  Railway, 
which  runs  from  Cranberry  in  that  county  to  Shulls  Mills,  are  both  cooperating 
heartily  with  the  Linville  Forest  Protective  Association,  in  which  they  are  charter 
members.  Besides  paying  their  semi-annual  dues  at  the  rate  of  $5  per  mile  of 
track,  they  have  employed  patrolmen  specially  to  watch  out  for  fires.  The  latter 
railway  has  one  or  more  men  on  speeders  to  follow  trains  along  that  part  of  their 
line  where  the  risk  is  greatest  during  dry  and  dangerous  weather.  They  have  also 
assisted  in  cleaning  up  their  right  of  way  by  cutting  out  and  burning  brush  and 
cleaning  up  leaves.  These  measures  are  not  entirely  optional  with  the  railroad, 
however,  as  long  stretches  of  their  right  of  way  were  granted  free  of  charge,  on 
condition  that  extraordinary  precautions  were  taken  and  maintained  to  prevent 
fires.  It  is,  in  this  case,  as  it  should  be  in  all  cases,  the  main  purpose  of  both  land- 
owner  and  railroad  to  cooperate  in  the  prevention  of  fires. 


Forest  Feres  in  Worth  Carolina 


67 


The  Carolina,  Clinchfield  and  Ohio  Railway,  which,  lost  so  heavily  by  the  fires  of 
1916,  although  it  does  not  attempt  to  cooperate  with  the  State  in  fire  prevention,  has 
been  cleaning  up  part  of  its  right  of  way  in  FTorth  Carolina  with  the  object  of 
reducing  the  claims  for  fire  damage.  The  general  manager  of  this  road,  Mr.  L.  H. 
Phetteplace,  writes  on  April  27,  1918  : 

“We  have  cleaned  the  right  of  way  varying  in  width  from  100  to  200  feet  from  the 
South  Carolina  line  to  Linville  Falls,  North  Carolina,  a distance  of  about  sixty  miles, 
with  the  result  that  we  have  had  only  three  small  fires  this  spring  in  this  distance 
of  sixty  miles,  the  claims  for  which  will  not  amount  to  more  than  $150.  We  expect 
to  continue  this  work  of  cleaning  our  right  of  way,  doing  the  work  in  such  a manner 
that  we  will  in  the  future  be  able  to  mow  this  right  of  way  each  year.  In  general,  the 
instructions  to  roadmasters  or  section  men  are  these:  Our  engineers  or  any  of  our 

trainmen  noticing  fires  along  the  track  are  required  to  throw  off  to  the  first  section 
men  notice  of  such  fires,  and  instructions  in  force  to  section  men  require  that  they  go 
immediately  to  the  scene  of  the  fire  and  endeavor  to  put  it  out.  They  are  also  authorized 
to  call  upon  any  one  that  they  may  be  able  to  secure  to  assist  them.” 

Mr.  J.  D.  Stack,  general  superintendent  of  the  Norfolk  Southern  Railway  Com- 
pany, in  an  interview  published  in  the  Raleigh  News  and  Observer  for  April  22, 
1916,  says,  in  part : 

“The  Norfolk  Southern  is  ready  to  cooperate  heartily  in  the  work  of  putting  out 
forest  fires.  I have  on  several  occasions  stopped  trains  on  which  I was  riding  and 
had  the  crew  go  to  work  to  extinguish  fires  when  I saw  that  there  was  any  chance 
to  succeed.  Other  representatives  of  the  road  have  similar  instructions.  We  feel  that 
■what  is  good  for  the  country  through  which  our  lines  run  is  good  for  the  railroad,  and 
then,  of  course,  we  are  doing  what  we  can  to  save  our  own  property. 

“What  is  needed  is  the  willingness  of  the  people  living  in  the  sections  subject  to 
these  fires  to  turn  in  when  a fire  has  started  and  is  still  in  its  incipiency  and  put  it  out. 
Our  people  must  not  lose  interest  the  moment  they  see  their  own  property  is  safe; 
they  must  think  of  the  other  fellow  and  the  common  good.  . . . 

“The  Norfolk  Southern  has  increased  its  pay  rolls  several  thousand  dollars  the  past 
year  in  making  inspections  of  the  netting  of  engines  to  guard  against  fires.  We  have 
records  on  file  showing  how  thorough  and  extensive  this  inspection  has  been,  these 
records  indicating  by  whom  inspected,  when  inspected,  conditions  of  netting  when 
inspected,  and  other  details.  Not  only  that,  but  officials  of  the  road  make  surprise  tests 
by  opening  the  front  ends  of  engines  and  inspecting  nettings  after  employees  who  are 
charged  with  this  duty  have  finished,  the  purpose  of  this  being  to  ascertain  if  the 
inspectors  have  been  careful  in  their  investigation.” 

Throughout  the  State  nearly  all  the  railroads  take  precautionary  measures,  by 
cleaning  up  their  rights  of  way,  more  or  less  thoroughly.  They  are  beginning  to 
find  out  the  more  thoroughly  this  is  done  the  greater  protection  they  secure.  It  is 
becoming  apparent  that  whatever  measures  the  State  hereafter  may  take  to  prevent 
fires  they  will  secure  sympathetic  consideration  from  the  railroads  in  regard  to  any 
proposition  for  cooperation  which  the  State  may  make. 

CO-OPERATION  OF  POSTAL  EMPLOYEES 

Mail  Carriers  to  Report  Forest  Fires: 

In  July,  1915,  soon  after  the  approval  of  the  Weeks  Law  agreement,  the  State 
Forester  was  notified  by  the  U.  S.  Forest  Service  that  the  Postmaster  General’s 
new  order  requiring  rural  and  star  route  mail  carriers  to  report  forest  fires  to  the 
properly  designated  forest  officer  would  in  the  future  apply  to  Worth  Carolina. 


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Forest  Fires  in  North  Carolina 


This  was  made  possible  by  tbe  passage  of  tbe  Forestry  Law  and  tbe  approval  of  tbe 
Weeks  Law  agreement  between  tbe  State  Geological  Board  and  tbe  Federal  Govern- 
ment by  means  of  wbicb  actual  forest  fire  protection  might  be  started  in  North 
Carolina.  Tbe  Postmaster  General’s  order,  dated  Washington,  D.  C.,  July  12, 
1915,  reads  as  follows: 

The  attention  of  postmasters  and  rural  and  star-route  carriers  is  directed  to  the 
following  order: 

ORDER  No.  9006. 

The  following  instructions  are  promulgated  for  the  guidance  of  the  postal  employees 
concerned : 

In  accordance  with  the  request  of  the  Secretary  of  Agriculture,  this  Department  has 
arranged  a plan  of  cooperation  with  the  State  and  National  Forest  officers  whereby 
rural  and  star-route  carriers  shall  report  forest  fires  discovered  by  them  along  their 
routes  to  persons  designated  by  the  State  and  National  authorities  to  receive  such 
intelligence. 

Cooperation  with  State  officers  will  be  given  in  all  states  which  have  established  by 
law  a system  of  forest  fire  protection. 

Cooperation  will  be  furnished  National  Forest  officers  in  all  States  containing  National 
Forests. 

The  State  and  National  authorities  will  inform  postmasters  as  to  whom  the  discovery 
of  fires  should  be  reported,  and  each  rural  carrier  should  be  directed  to  cooperate  to 
the  fullest  extent  with  such  authorities  in  the  manner  agreed  upon,  namely,  that  the 
carrier  shall  report  a fire  to  the  nearest  State  fire  warden  or  National  Forest  officer 
on  his  route,  or,  if  no  such  warden  or  officer  lives  on  the  route,  to  arrange  through  some 
responsible  citizen  to  have  him  notified,  by  telephone  if  possible.  Star-route  contrac- 
tors and  carriers  are  included  in  the  plan  of  cooperation  and  should  be  requested  to 
report  the  discovery  of  fires  in  the  same  manner  as  will  be  done  by  the  rural  carriers. 

Postmasters  in  or  near  National  Forests  are  also  directed  to  report  fires  to  the  nearest 
forest  officer.  (Signed)  A.  S.  Burleson, 

Postmaster  General. 

This  order  was  printed  in  tbe  August  supplement  of  tbe  Official  Postal  Guide  of 
that  year.  It  has  since  been  in  application  in  all  parts  of  tbe  State  where  organized 
fire  protection  has  been  in  effect,  that  is,  where  there  have  been  proper  officials  to 
whom  reports  of  fires  could  be  made.  In  appointing  Federal  patrolmen  and  State 
wardens  they  are  always  instructed  to  keep  in  touch  with  mail  carriers  and  to 
arrange  for  tbe  quick  and  effective  reporting  of  fires. 

Posting  Notices  in  Postoffices : 

In  September,  1915,  tbe  Postmaster  General  acceded  to  tbe  request  of  tbe  United 
States  Forest  Service  that  postmasters  be  allowed  and  instructed  to  post  at  least  one 
fire  warning  notice  in  tbe  lobby  of  the  postoffice  at  tbe  request  of  State  or 
Federal  Forest  officers.  At  tbe  same  time  be  prescribed  the  proper  method  of 
securing  tbe  cooperation  of  local  postmasters  for  this  service.  Should  Federal 
patrolmen  or  State  Forest  Wardens  at  any  time  meet  with  difficulty  in  securing 
such  cooperation  with  postmasters,  they  are  advised  to  take  the  matter  up  with  tbe 
State  Forester. 


STATE  LEGISLATION  NEEDED 


The  Forestry  Bill  of  1915,  as  introduced  into  the  General  Assembly,  called  for  an 
appropriation  of  $20,000  for  carrying  out  the  provisions  of  the  act.  This  appro- 
priation, however,  was  cut  out  in  committee  and  the  bill  was  passed  without  it. 

At  the  urgent  request  of  the  North  Carolina  Forestry  Association  and  of  the 
North  Carolina  Geological  and  Economic  Survey,  an  appropriation  bill  asking  for 
the  same  amount  was  introduced  into  the  Legislature  of  1917.  This  bill  obtained 
the  support  of  most  of  the  strongest  men  in  the  Legislature  and  would  have  been 
passed,  after  having  the  amount  of  the  appropriation  reduced  from  $20,000  to 
$5,000,  had  it  not  been  for  the  fatal  delay  in  reporting  the  measure  to  the  House. 

The  following  bill,  which  embodies  the  essential  features  of  the  previous  proposed 
measure,  is  here  suggested,  and  its  passage  respectfully  urged : 

A Bill  to  be  Entitled  Ak  Act  to  Provide  for  Carrying  Out  the  Provisions  of 

the  Forest  Fire  Law 

The  General  Assembly  of  North  Carolina  do  enact: 

Section  1.  That  in  order  to  enable  the  Geological  Hoard  to  carry  out  effectively  the 
provisions  of  chapter  two  hundred  and  forty-three  of  the  Public  Laws  of  nineteen  hun- 
dred and  fifteen,  relative  to  the  forests  of  the  State  of  North  Carolina,  and  their  protec- 
tion from  fire;  and  to  enable  the  Geological  Board  to  cooperate  with  the  Federal  Gov- 
ernment in  the  protection  of  forests  from  fire,  as  authorized  under  the  Weeks  Act;  there 
is  hereby  appropriated,  out  of  any  moneys  in  the  Treasury  not  otherwise  appropriated, 
the  sum  of  ten  thousand  dollars  annually,  or  as  much  thereof  as  may  be  necessary  for 
the  purpose  of  carrying  out  the  provisions  of  this  act,  as  directed  by  the  Geological 
Board. 

Sec.  2.  This  act  shall  be  in  force  from  and  after  its  ratification. 

SOME  REASONS  FOR  DEMANDING  A FORESTRY  APPROPRIATION 

1.  From  1909-1917,  inclusive,  the  average  annual  damage  from  forest  fires  in 
North  Carolina  was  more  than  $950,000,  while  during  the  spring  of  1916  alone 
the  damage  amounted  to  nearly  $3,000,000. 

2.  Ninety-eight  per  cent  of  our  fires  are  caused  by  human  agency,  and  so  are 
preventable. 

3.  The  Forest  Fire  Law  (chapter  243,  Public  Laws  of  1915)  is  drafted  along 
lines  which  have  proved  most  effective  in  other  states,  and  has  been  heartily  ap- 
proved by  the  United  States  Forest  Service.  The  Chief  of  Cooperation  in  the 
Forest  Service  speaks  of  it  as  “A  Forest  Fire  Law  by  means  of  which,  if  funds  had 
been  made  available,  one  of  the  best  protective  systems  in  the  United  States  could 
have  been  established.” 

4.  Under  this  law  forest  wardens  may  be  appointed  when  necessary  in  each 
township  and  district ; fire  patrols  may  he  employed  during  danger  periods ; assist- 
ance may  he  summoned  for  fighting  fires ; and  provision  for  compensation  is  made. 

5.  The  administration  of  this  law  is  put  in  the  hands  of  the  State  Geological 
Board,  which  has  available  the  necessary  knowledge  and  experience  for  properly 
enforcing  it. 


70 


Forest  Fires  in  North  Carolina 


6.  Without  any  special  appropriation  the  State  Geological  and  Economic  Survey 
has  expended  as  large  a share  as  possible  of  its  regular  appropriation  for  the  enforce- 
ment of  this  law.  Posters  have  been  printed  and  distributed,  landowners  have 
been  organized  into  fire  protective  associations,  and  private  subscriptions  have  been 
received  and  disbursed  for  fire  protection. 

7.  The  Federal  Government,  under  the  Weeks  Law,  has  cooperated  by  providing 
as  much  as  $1,000  and  not  more  than  $2,000  a year  for  the  payment  of  patrolmen. 
These  have  so  far  been  appointed  in  the  western  part  of  the  State  so  that  the  head- 
waters of  streams  would  be  protected,  and  because  more  active  cooperation  has  been 
secured  there. 

8.  If  an  appropriation  can  he  secured  from  the  Legislature,  we  have  been  prom- 
ised a large  increase  in  the  apportionment  from  the  Federal  Government.  At  least 
$4,000  might  be  expected  from  this  source,  and  possibly  $7,000  or  $8,000.  Unless, 
however,  the  State  can  provide  funds  for  fire  protection,  we  cannot  expect  any  in- 
crease in  Federal  funds. 

9.  Only  first-class  men,  respected  in  their  community  and  familiar  with  their 
district,  would  be  employed,  the  object  being  not  only  to  extinguish  fires  but  to 
secure  the  hearty  cooperation  of  the  local  residents  in  fire  prevention. 

Public  opinion,  as  represented  by  interested  organizations  and  the  leading  news- 
papers of  the  State,  was  strongly  in  favor  of  this  measure  in  1917.  It  will,  no 
doubt,  he  found  almost  unanimously  behind  this  necessary  appropriation  for  the 
prevention  of  forest  fires  in  1919. 

ACTION  URGED  BY  ORGANIZATIONS 

The  Appalachian  Logging  Congress  which  met  in  Asheville,  April  28-29,  1916, 
passed  the  following  resolution : 

“That  this  Congress  goes  on  record  as  heartily  in  favor  of  and  willing  to  support  the 
Federal  and  State  governments  in  fire  protective  policies,  especially  urging  upon  its 
members  hearty  cooperation  with  the  State  Forester  of  North  Carolina.” 

The  Linville  Forest  Protective  Association  at  its  annual  meeting  at  Linville,  Octo- 
ber 3,  1916,  unanimously  adopted  the  following  resolutions : 

“Whereas  the  Linville  Forest  Protective  Association  has  been  organized  for  the  pur- 
pose of  protecting  the  lands  of  its  members  from  fire;  and 

“Whereas  our  own  experience  as  members  of  this  association,  as  well  as  that  of 
others  engaged  in  similar  work,  has  convinced  us  that  all  forces  must  cooperate  to  the 
fullest  extent  to  make  fire  prevention  effective;  and 

“Whereas  the  Federal  Government  not  only  adequately  patrols  its  own  lands  which 
border  those  covered  by  this  association,  but  under  the  Weeks  Law  offers  to  assist 
in  fire  protection  in  proportion  to  the  work  along  this  line  done  by  the  State;  therefore, 
be  it 

“Resolved,  That  the  General  Assembly  of  North  Carolina  soon  to  be  elected  be  hereby 
respectfully  requested  to  provide  an  adequate  appropriation  for  carrying  out  the 
provisions  of  the  new  State  Forest  Fire  Law,  thereby  enabling  the  State  to  meet  the 
requirements  of  the  Weeks  Law  so  that  greatly  increased  financial  assistance  may  be 
secured  from  the  Federal  Government.” 

Later  the  manager  of  this  association,  Mr.  J.  F.  Gibbs,  wrote  to  his  representative 
at  Raleigh  urging  an  appropriation.  He  concluded  his  letter  as  follows : 

“With  the  Federal  Government  cooperating  in  this  work  and  the  citizens  of  some 
sections  actively  engaged,  is  it  not  the  duty  of  the  State  through  its  Legislature  to  pro- 
vide means  with  which  to  cooperate  in  protecting  its  forest  resources  from  which  it 


Forest  Fires  in  FTorth  Carolina 


71 


derives  revenue?  I hope  your  honorable  Assembly  will  give  this  matter  the  attention 
that  its  importance  requires.” 

The  Southern  Forestry  Congress  which  met  in  Asheville,  July  11-15,  1916, 
among  a number  of  resolutions  dealing  with  different  phases  of  forestry,  indorsed 
the  following : 

“Whereas  progress  in  State  Forestry  requires  not  only  an  effective  nonpolitical  organi- 
zation at  its  head,  but  also  sufficient  funds  to  carry  on  the  important  work  of  popular 
education  in  forestry,  establishment  of  organized  fire  protection,  assistance  to  wood- 
land owners  in  the  management  of  their  property,  checking  erosion,  and  supervision  of 
such  State  forests  as  may  be  established;  and 

“Whereas  many  Southern  states  which  have  already  made  an  excellent  beginning 
by  the  establishment  of  forestry  departments  are  as  yet  without  adequate  financial 
support;  therefore,  be  it 

“ Resolved , That  the  Southern  Forestry  Congress  urges  upon  the  legislatures  of  the 
respective  states  a more  liberal  policy  in  providing  funds  for  the  conduct  of  forestry 
work,  and  in  passing  such  additional  legislation  as  may  be  necessary  "to  make  this 
work  effective  in  practice.” 

The  North  Carolina  Press  Association  at  its  annual  meeting  in  Durham,  July, 
1916,  drew  up  and  adopted  a resolution  calling  upon  the  General  Assembly  to  enact 
a practical  and  an  intelligent  Forestry  Law,  which  should  contain  provisions  for 
the  appointment  of  Forest  Fire  Wardens  in  each  county  of  the  State,  with  proper 
compensation,  etc.  The  passage  of  such  a measure,  the  editor  of  the  Southern 
Lumber  Journal  of  Wilmington,  1ST.  C.,  contends,  would  mean  a saving  of  thousands 
and  of  hundreds  of  thousands  of  dollars  annually  to  the  Southern  states  and  lengthen 
the  life  of  our  timber  resources  many  years. 

The  North  Carolina  Forestry  Association  at  its  annual  meeting  in  Raleigh,  Janu- 
ary 25,  1917,  urged  an  appropriation  for  forestry  in  the  following  resolution : 

“Resolved,  That  the  North  Carolina  Forestry  Association  urges  the  members  of  the 
General  Assembly  to  support  the  bill  now  pending  before  that  body  making  an  appro- 
priation to  the  Geological  Board  for  carrying  out  the  provisions  of  the  Forest  Fire  Law, 
for  making  experimental  forests,  and  for  other  forestry  work  authorized  by  law. 

“ Resolved  further,  that  this  association,  appreciating  the  work  that  the  North  Caro- 
lina Geological  and  Economic  Survey  has  done  and  is  now  doing  in  the  interest  of  the 
preservation  and  conservation  of  our  forests,  pledges  its  .support  to  the  further  efforts 
of  this  department.” 

CONSTRUCTIVE  LEGISLATION  DEMANDED  BY  THE  STATE  PRESS 

CARE  OF  OUR  FORESTS 

, . . The  case  is  a very  simple  one.  We  have  the  laws.  We  should  have  the 

money  needed  to  establish  the  enforcement  of  these  laws.  The  Forestry  Association 
will  ask  this  of  the  Legislature  next  winter,  and  that  body  surely  will  be  moved  to 
put  life  into  the  laws.  The  statute  as  it  stands  has  a good  moral  effect;  other  than 
that  it  is  useless.  We  are  not  advised  as  to  the  amount  of  the  appropriation  the  Forestry 
Association  will  ask,  but  it  will  not  be  one  of  a formidable  character.  We  feel  sure 
of  one  thing,  however,  in  knowledge  of  the  extent  of  the  yearly  devastation  of  woods 
by  fires,  that  the  sum  agreed  upon  will  be  well  within  the  bounds  of  the  necessities 
of  the  cause. — Charlotte  Observer,  November  22,  1916. 

WHEREIN  MILLIONS  ARE  INVOLVED 

The  North  Carolina  Geological  and  Economic  Survey  presented  convincing  facts  and 
figures,  five  years  ago,  showing  that  the  application  of  proved  principles  and  practices 


72 


Forest  Fires  in  North  Carolina 


of  fire  protection  and  reforestation  in  Western  North  Carolina  would  insure  the  per- 
manence of  supplies  for  the  pulp,  acid,  and  hardwood  industries  of  that  region,  and 
permit  of  their  substantial  increase  within  a few  years.  Millions  are  involved. 

Nothing  was  done  about  it;  that  is,  nothing  beyond  a rhetorical  addition  to  the  statute 
books.  Nothing  more  was  done  about  it  by  the  people  directly  concerned,  or  by  the 
Legislature;  but  it  must  be  added  that  in  cooperation  with  the  United  States  Govern- 
ment the  Survey  has  lately  diverted  money  from  its  general  fund— money  badly  needed 
for  other  purposes — to  some  work  in  this  direction. 

Will  anything  be  done  about  it,  we  wonder?  It  means  millions  of  dollars  worth  of 
resources  saved,  therefore,  millions  made.— Greensboro  Daily  News,  Nov.  25,  1916. 

FOREST  FIRES 

Something  has  been  done  towards  forest  preservation,  both  from  the  hungry  flames 
and  the  still  hungrier  lumberman,  but  little  more  than  a mere  start  has  been  made. 
This  conservation  work  is  worth  spending  much  more  money  on  than  has  yet  been 
appropriated  for  it. — Gastonia  Gazette,  May,  1916. 

THE  FOREST  FIRES 

The  experiences  of  the  present  spring  ought  to  give  the  people  of  North  Carolina 
a better  appreciation  of  the  forestry  laws  and  the  necessity  for  their  observance.  It  is 
scarcely  less  important  for  the  people  of  the  State  to  fight  fires  in  the  woods  than  it  is 
to  fight  fires  in  the  towns. — Charlotte  Observer,  April  25,  1916. 

THE  MENACE  OF  FOREST  FIRES 

In  nearly  every  state  now  the  law  prescribes  fine  or  imprisonment  for  carelessly  start- 
ing or  causing  a forest  fire.  Let  these  laws  be  enforced.  Every  farmer  should  help 
indict  the  guilty,  and,  when  on  juries,  help  convict  them. — Progressiv  Farmer,  Novem- 
ber 25,  1916. 

PROTECTION  FOR  FORESTS 

If  the  Forest  Law  now  on  the  statute  books  will  in  the  judgment  of  the  legislators 
afford  any  protection  by  being  carried  out,  it  would  be  wise  to  make  an  appropriation 
to  that  end.  If  it  does  not  appear  to  be  a good  and  sufficient  one,  let  the  Legislature 
pass  a law  that  will  do  the  work.  Ten  thousand  dollars  is  a small  amount  to  appropriate 
for  protection  from  forest  fires,  especially  when  it  is  remembered  that  at  least  that 
amount  has  been  lost  in  Cumberland  County  alone  this  spring. — Fayetteville  Observer, 
May  10,  1916. 

THE  RAVAGE  OF  THE  WOODS 

The  experiences  of  North  Carolina  this  spring  with  the  ravaging  forest  fires  ought 
to  inspire  a stricter  observance  of  the  laws  for  the  protection  of  the  forests,  bringing 
the  people  into  a greater  realization  of  their  importance. — Charlotte  Observer,  May 
11,  1916. 

RAVAGE  OF  THE  FORESTS 

. . . The  least  the  Legislature  can  do  is  to  provide  an  appropriation  that  will 
give  the  work  of  forestry  protection  a start.  The  building  up  of  a protective  system 
cannot  be  done  in  a year,  but  it  can  be  initiated  at  the  coming  session  of  the  General 
Assembly. — Charlotte  Observer,  December  8,  1916. 

A LITTLE  MONET  BALKING 

The  State  is  provided  with  an  excellent  set  of  forestry  laws,  but  there  is  no  money 
back  of  these  laws,  and  they  might  as  well  not  be  on  the  statute  books.  If  the  money 
asked  for  is  made  available,  we  feel  quite  sure  that  it  would  be  repaid  a hundredfold 


Forest  Fires  in  North  Carolina 


73 


to  the  State  in  the  shape  of  forests  protected  from  destruction. — Charlotte  Observer, 
February  20,  1917. 

AN  INVESTMENT  OPPORTUNITY 

A bill  has  been  introduced  to  complete  the  work  of  the  1915  Assembly  by  appropriating 
$20,000  annually  for  the  purpose  of  carrying  out  the  provisions  of  the  fire  protection 
act.  It  is  safe  to  assume  that  if  the  work  had  been  done  properly  by  the  former 
Legislature  the  $40,000  that  would  have  been  expended  would  have  yielded  not  less 
than  100  per  cent.  The  total  damage  for  one  fiscal  year  ran  well  over  half  a million 
dollars.  The  opportunity  was  presented  to  the  Geological  and  Economic  Survey,  if  it 
had  had  means  with  which  to  work,  for  saving  the  cost  of  that  means  many  times  over. 
Is  it,  in  fact,  a good  law,  adequate  to  its  purpose?  The  only  way  to  find  out  is  to 
give  it  a trial.  The  experience  of  other  states  indicates  that  this  will  be  an  invest- 
ment returning  enormous  profits  to  the  State.  Twenty  thousand  dollars  is  an  incon- 
siderable sum  compared  to  an  average  annual  forest-fire  loss  running  above  $600,000. 
The  Survey  would  have  to  cut  the  loss  down  only  one-twelfth  to  prove  the  $20,000 
a splendid  investment.  . . . 

If  North  Carolina  were  a private  corporation,  it  would  be  expending  millions  upon 
the  forests  within  its  area.  It  would  be  setting  aside  entire  stream  basins  in  the 
Mountain  and  Piedmont  sections  for  experimental  schemes,  to  determine  to  what 
extent  stream  flow  and  other  factors  of  agriculture  may  be  controlled  through  conditions 
at  the  headwaters.  It  would  be  reforesting  all  untillable  lands  as  rapidly  as  possible, 
and  all  timber  areas  would  be  so  adequately  guarded  that  fires  would  be  practically  un- 
known.— Greensboro  Daily  News,  February  20,  1917. 

It  is  confidently  lioped  that  an  appropriation  will  be  made  by  the  Legislature  of 
1919  as  a war  measure.  The  reduction  of  available  labor  throughout  the  State 
which  can  be  called  upon  to  fight  fires  greatly  increases  the  fire  risks.  It  therefore 
seems  essential  that  some  definite  steps  be  taken  to  meet  this  emergency,  and  such 
steps  can  only  be  taken  after  an  appropriation  has  been  provided. 


APPENDIX 


List  of  Counties  and  Townships  in  North  Carolina,  together  with  the 
Names  and  Postoffice  Addresses  of  the  Voluntary  Township  Forest- 
Fire  Correspondents  Reporting  for  the  Year  1917 


VOLUNTARY  TOWNSHIP  FOREST  FIRE  CORRESPONDENTS  IN  NORTH 
CAROLINA  REPORTING  FOR  1917 


ALLEGHANY 


MOUNTAIN  REGION 


BUNCOMBE— Continued 


Cherry  Lane 

J.  T.  Miles 

Cherry  Lane 

Ivy 

M.  T.  Arrowood 

Democrat 

G.  W.  Miles 

Miles 

J.  O.  Brigman 

Dillingham 

0.  0.  Smith 

Laurel  Branch 

J.  H.  Woodward 

Democrat 

Cranberry 

J.  M.  Blevins 

Gray 

Leicester 

John  A.  Long 

Laurel  Springs 

Limestone 

J.  J.  Miller 

Laurel  Springs 

Lower  Hominy 

Gap  Civil 

Reems  Creek 

Glade  Creek 

A.  0.  Carico 

Edmonds 

Sandy  Mush 

A.  L.  Ingle 

Odessa 

Piney  Creek 

C.  L.  Hash 

Piney  Creek 

Swannanoa 

W.  R.  Alexander 

Swannanoa 

Prathers  Creek 

N.  C.  Shepherd 

Scottville 

Upper  Hominy 

J.  C.  Byrd 

Candler 

Whitehead 

Wiley  Combs 

Whitehead 

J.  C.  Curtis 

Candler,  R.  3 

J.  C.  Waters 

Candler 

ASHE 

Chestnut  Hill 

I.  E.  Gambill 

Crumpler 

BURKE 

J.  F.  Oliver 

Crumpler 

Icard 

G.  L.  Stine 

Hildebran 

Clifton 

J.  C.  Raland 

Clifton 

Jonas  Ridge 

G.  A.  Loven 

Cold  Spring 

Creston 

J.  R.  McMillan 

Creston 

F.  W.  Bicknell 

Linville  Falls 

Grassy  Creek 

Eli  Francis 

Grassy  Creek 

Linville 

J.  K.  Giles 

Fonta  Flora 

Helton 

Charles  F.  Sexton 

Grassy  Creek 

Lovelady 

P.  A.  Bollinger 

Horse  Creek 

J.  E.  Caulter 

Connellys  Springs 

J efferson 

Geo.  F.  Bare 

Wagoner 

D.  W.  Lowman 

Connellys  Springs 

Laurel 

A.  W.  Long 

Grayson 

J.  M.  Abee 

Waldese 

W.  E.  Perry 

Grayson 

Lower  Creek 

W.  P.  Corpening 

Worry 

North  Fork 

L.  J.  Sturgill 

Parker 

J.  V.  Powell 

Morganton 

Obids 

J.  C.  Bowlin 

Glendale  Springs 

Lower  Fork 

D.  H.  Burgess 

Obids 

Morganton , No. 

1 

Old  Fields 

Morganton,  No. 

2 

Peak  Creek 

G.  B.  Austin 

Laurel  Springs 

Quaker  Meadow 

W.  L.  Miller 

Laurel  Springs 

Silver  Creek 

A.  H.  Conley 

Morganton,  R.  I 

W.  N.  G.  Wellborn  Laurel  Springs 

J.  A.  Wainwright 

Morganton,  R.  1 

E.  B.  Shepherd 

Flow 

Smoky  Creek 

E.  H.  Tilley 

Morganton,  R.  2 

Pine  Swamp 

Virgil  L.  Maretz 

Hopkins 

Upper  Creek 

M.  S.  Arney 

Worry 

Piney  Creek 

T.  C.  Berry 

Morganton 

Walnut  Hill 

Upper  Fork 

S.  L.  Denton 

Morganton,  R.  4 

AVERY 

Altamont 

W.  C.  Franklin 

Altamont 

CALDWELL 

Banners  Elk 

T.  L.  Lowe 

Banners  Elk 

Globe 

B.  A.  Crump 

Globe 

Beech  Mountain 

L.  W.  McGuire 

Whaly 

James  Moore 

Globe 

J.  H.  Walsh 

Dark  Ridge 

J.  R.  Moore 

Globe 

Cranberry 

Hudson 

John  A.  Bush 

Linville 

J.  h.  Hartley 

Linville 

Johns  River 

W.  T.  Mays 

Lenoir,  R.  4 

Roaring  Creek 

R.  T.  Lewis 

Valley 

Geo.  T.  Perkins 

Adako 

Toe  River 

J.  Calvin  Coffey 

Lenoir,  R.  4 

Wilson  Creek 

Kings  Creek 

G.  M. Icenhour 

Grandin 

Pickens  Barlow 

Kings  Creek 

BUNCOMBE 

G.  H.  Carter 

Kings  Creek 

Asheville 

J.  M.  English  & Co.  Asheville 

Lenoir 

W.  C.  Moore,  Jr. 

Lenoir 

W.  Haynes 

Asheville 

W.  L.  Swanson 

Lenoir,  R.  3 

Avery s Creek 

M.  S.  Glenn 

Arden 

G.  A.  Tuttle 

Lenoir,  R.  5 

Beaverdam 

Little  River 

Fred  M.  Deal 

Lenoir,  R.  2 

Biltmore 

F. E.  Story 

Lenoir 

Black  Mountain 

W.  H.  Burnett 

Black  Mountain 

Lovelady 

G.  W.  Sherrill 

Granite  Falls 

Fairview 

Jason  Ashworth 

Fairview 

Lower  Creek 

Flat  Creek 

North  Catawba 

A.  Canon  Craig 

Lenoir,  R.  3 

French  Broad 

G.  H.  Blankenship  Alexander 

D.  N.  W.  Smith 

Granite  Falls 

Haw  Creek 

J.  A.  Gwaltney 

Asheville 

Patterson 

Charles  J.  Dobbins  Finley 

Hazel 

John  R.  Hagaman  Patterson 

78 


Forest  Fires  in  North  Carolina 


CALDWELL— Continued 


Patterson 

T.  S.  Setser 

Patterson 

Wilsons  Creek 

J.  Roby  Hayes 

Mortimer 

Yadkin  Valley 

D.  R.  S.  Frazier 

Kings  Creek 

R.  L.  Miller 

Buffalo  Cove 

CHEROKEE 

Beaverdam 

R.  L.  Hampton 

Unaka 

Hothouse 

A.  Z.  Roberts 

Grandview 

Murphy 

J.  T.  Hayes 

Tomatla 

T.  C.  McDonald 

Murphy 

Notla 

A.  H.  Davidson 

Letitia 

Shoal  Creek 

B.  L.  Fox 

Ranger 

Valleytown 

S.  H.  Parker 

Marble 

R.  A.  Dewar 

Andrews 

CLAY 

Brasstown 

T.  B.  Hampton 

Brasstown 

Fred  0.  Scroggs 

Brasstown 

George  R.  Sharp 

Brasstown 

Hayesville 

W.  T.  Bumgarner 

Hayesville 

Hiawassee 

J.  A.  Chambers 

Hayesville 

Ernest  D.Penland 

Hayesville 

Shooting  Creek 

N.  N.  Rogers 

Shooting  Creek 

Tusquittee 

A.  G.  Moore 

Hayesville 

J.  V.  A.  Moore 

Hayesville 

Ed.  T.  Shearer 

Hayesville 

GRAHAM 

Cheoah 

Stecoah 

E.  H.  Potter 

Topton 

Yellow  Creek 

J.  M.  English 

HAYWOOD 

J.  L.  Green 

Fontana 

Beaverdam 

Cataloochee 

W.  M . Sutton 

Cataloochee 

Cecil 

Clyde 

H.  P.  Ledbetter 

Canton,  R.  2 

Crabtree 

F.  A.  Justice 

Clyde,  R.  1 

A.  J.  McCracken 

Clyde,  R.  1 

J.  L.  Walker 

Clyde,  R.  1 

C.  E.  Williams 

Crabtree 

East  Fork 

Gwyn  Grill 

Cruso 

W.  R.  Grogen 

Cruso 

S.  L.  Grogen 

Springdale 

B.  F.  Sellers 

Cruso 

Fines  Creek 

George  A.  Brown 

Crabtree 

Iron  Duff 

T.  N.  Crawford 

Waynesville 

Ivy  Hill 

J.  S.  Davis 

Waynesville,  R.  2 

Jonathan  Creek 

Robert  Harrell 

Waynesville 

E.  J.  Howell 

Waynesville,  R.  2 

Pigeon 

Wm.  Ledbetter 

Canton,  R.  2 

Ira  Mease 

Canton,  R.  2 

Waynesville 

W.  W.  Wilson 

Canton,  R.  2 

White  Oak 

Zack  Clark 

Teague 

HENDERSON 

Blue  Ridge 

A.  K.  Hyder 

Saconon 

Clear  Creek 
Crab  Creek 

R.  M.  Pryor 

Hendersonville,  R. 

Edneyville 

T.  Q.  Ledbetter 

Edneyville 

T.  A.  W.  Lyda 

Edneyville 

HENDERSON— Continued 


Edneyville 

C.  Oates 

Bear  Wallow 

Lonnie  R.  Rhodes 

Hendersonville, 

Green  River 

W.  F.  Pace 

Zirconia 

H endersonville 

A.  Cannon 

Horse  Shoe 

John  Eubanks 

Hendersonville 

C.  Whitaker 

Hendersonville, 

Hoopers  Creek 

J.  P.  Fletcher 

Fletcher 

J.  V.  Russell 

Fletcher 

Mills  River 

J.  H.  Murray 

Horse  Shoe 

J.  P.  Whitaker 

Horse  Shoe 

JACKSON 

Barkers  Creek 

Canada 

S.  M.  Parker 

Tuckaseigee 

W.  T.  Rigdon 

Argura 

John  H.  Smith 

Wolf  Mountain 

Caney  Fork 

W.  H.  Hooper 

Cowarts 

G.  F.  Nicholson 

Cowarts 

Cashiers 

C.  G.  Rogers 

Cashiers 

T.  R.  Zachary 

Cashiers 

Cullowhee 

T.  C.  Ledbetter 

Cullowhee 

Dillsboro 

Greens  Creek 

J.  C.  Reed 

Greens  Creek 

H amburg 

D.  P.  Moss 

Glenville 

L.  A.  Wilson 

Big  Ridge 

Mountain 

W.  R.  Stewart 

Erastus 

Qualla 

River 

P.  N.  Price 

Tuckaseigee 

Savannah 

Scotts  Creek 

W.  T.  Derrick 

Balsam 

Sylva 

Webster 

Walter  E.  Moore 

Webster 

MACON 

Burningtown 

W.  M.  Edwards 

Franklin,  R.  3 

C.  S.  Ray 

Franklin 

Robert  Ramsey 

Tellico 

Cowee 

John  H.  Dalton 

Iotla 

W.  J.  Jenkins 

Wests  Mill 

Cartoogechaye 

Ellijay 

N.  L.  Jollay 

Cullasaja 

Flats 

R.  H.  Rogers 

Scaly- 

J.  E.  Vinson 

Scaly 

Franklin 

N.  L.  Barnard 

Franklin 

Highlands 

J.  R.  Phillips 

Short  off 

J.  Q.  Pierce 

Highlands 

Barry  C.  Hawkins 

Highlands 

Millshoal 

Elias  V.  Ammons 

Franklin 

Nantahala 

Joseph  W.  Gregory  Lookout 

Smith  Bridge 

C.  R.  Cabe 

Otto 

Sugar  Fork 

J.  M.  Keener 

Scroll 

MADISON 

No.  1 

John  S.  Rice 

Walnut 

W.  C.  Sprinkle 

Marshall 

No.  8 

No.  S 

Thomas  G.  Murray 

Marshall,  R.  3 

No.  i 

Levi  Hamlin 

Buckner 

W.  B.  Holcomb 

Waverly- 

No.  5 

Miss  Flossie  MurrayMars  Bill 

No.  6 

Wiley  L.  Carver 

Marshall 

No.  7 

J ames  J.  Ledford 

Marshall,  R.  5 

R.  F.  Payne 

Marshall 

Wiley  M.  Roberts 

Marshall,  R.  5 

No.  8 

No.  9 

D.  H.  Gardner 

Paintrcck 

No.  10 

Forest  Fires  in  JSTorth  Carolina 


79 


MADISON — Continued 


No.  11 

E.  E.  Bryan 

Faust 

W.  M.  English 

Faust 

R.  W.  Rice 

No.  12 

W.  B.  Randall 

Barnard 

Jacob  R.  Worley 

Worley 

No.  18 

J.  E.  Gregory 

Joe 

W.  A.  Norris 

Joe 

T.  H.  Stormy 

Joe 

No.  U 

J.  F.  Tilson 

Marshall,  R.  2 

No.  15 

J.  A.  Ramsey 

Mars  Hill 

No.  16 

C.  W.  Cody 

Flag  Pond,  Tenn. 

McDOWELL 

Bracketts 

Broad  River 

H.  W.  Miller 

Black  Mountain 

W.  L.  Nanney 

Black  Mountain 

C.  M.  Nanney 

Black  Mountain 

Crooked  Creek 

A.  B.  Burger 

Old  Fort 

Dysartsville 

John  B.  Kirksey 

Dysartsville 

Robert  F.  Sisk 

Nebo,  R.  1 

Glenwood 

E.  G.  Goforth 

Neals  ville 

Higgins 

L.  A.  Haney 

Nealsville 

Marion 

Peter  Cannon 

Marion,  R.  2 

W.  L.  Ferguson 

Marion 

D.  A.  Snipes 

Garden  City 

Mont  fords  Cove 

C.  R.  Wilkerson 

Nealsville,  R.  1 

Nebo 

North  Cove 

J.  B.  Lorron 

Ashford 

Old  Fort 

J.  H.  Young 

Old  Fort 

MITCHELL 

Baker  sville 

W.  G.  Bowman 

Bakersville 

Bradshaw 

Cane  Creek 

T.  A.  Buchanan 

Hawk 

Fork  Mountain 

D.  M.  Cook 

Bakersville,  R.  1 

Grassy  Creek 

R.  B.  Harrison 

Spruce  Pine 

J.  M.  Peterson 

Spruce  Pine 

Harrell 

W.  B.  Honeycutt 

Magnetic  City 

Isaac  MeKiney 

Ewart 

Little  Rock  Creek  Cain  Freeman 

Glen  Ayre 

Poplar 

Billie  Peterson 

Poplar 

Hiram  Tipton 

Poplar 

Red  Hill 

S.  H.  Bryant 

Brummett 

J.  W.  Howell 

Green  Mountain 

Snow  Creek 

M.  V.  Buchanan 

Ledger,  R.  1 

POLK 

Columbus 

J.  G.  Hughes 

Columbus 

Cooper  Gap 

W.  W.  Gibbs 

Mill  Spring 

W.  G.  Hill 

Saconon 

Greens  Creek 

W.  M.  Barnett 

Landrum,  S.C.,  R.l 

Robert  L.  Camp 

Rutherfordton,  R.  2 

J.  W.  McFarland 

Rutherfordton,  R.  1 

Saluda 

Henry  P.  Corwith 

Saluda 

Thomas  E.  Pace 

Fish  Top 

G.  W.  Pearson 

Rockliff 

Tryon 

James  M.  Butler 

Tryon,  R.  1 

D.  E.  Conner 

Tryon 

White  Oak 

RUTHERFORD 

Camp  Creek 

Chimney  Rock 

J.  M.  Flack 

Chimney  Rock 

Paul  F.  Searcy 

Uree,  R.  1 

M.  A.  Searcy 

Mill  Springs,  R.  2 

J.  C.  Williams 

Uree,  R.  1 

RUTHERFORD-Continued 


Colfax 

Cool  Springs 

S.  A.  Bridges 

Forest  City 

Duncans  Creek 

Lee  W.  Lynch 

Forest  City 

Gilkey 

W.  F.  Doggett 

Gilkey 

Golden  Valley 

J.  D.  Fincannon 

Gilkey 

Green  Hill 
High  Shoals 

R.  Ledbetter 

Uree 

Logans  Store 

J.  B.  Dill 

Bostic,  R.  2 

W.  G.  Grayson 

Bostic 

Morgan 

W.  J.  Hardin 

Rutherfordton,  R.  3 

Rutherfordton 

L.  D.  Hemphill 

Union  Mills,  R.  1 

Sulphur  Springs 

Lloyd  Williams 

Harris 

U nion 

J.  M.  Owens 

Rutherfordton,  R.  1 

SURRY 

Bryan 

B.  J.  Snow 

State  Road 

J.  L.  Thompson 

Devotion 

Dobson 

Eldora 

J.  F.  Nance 

Dobson 

Elkin 

Mrs.  W.  M.  Cuncliff  Elkin 

L.  C.  Park 

Elkin,  R.  1 

Franklin 

1.  F.  Armfield 

Low  Gap 

G.  E.  Isaacs 

Dobson,  R.  1 

J.  M.  Todd 

Low  Gap 

Long  Hill 

F.  A.  Ashburn 

Mount  Airy 

P.  W.  Bryant 

Ararat 

S.  M.  Stone 

Mount  Airy,  R.  1 

Marsh 

H.  E.  Beaman 

Rusk,  R.  1 

J.  H.  Poindexter 

Crutchfield 

T.  A.  Stanley 

Rusk 

Mount  Airy 

J.  R.  McKinny 

Mount  Airy 

J.  A.  Sparger 

Mount  Airy 

Pilot 

D.  J.  Denny 

Pinnacle,  R.  3 

Job  Hiatt 

Pilot  Mountain 

R.  H.  Redman 

Pilot  Mountain 

W.  H.  Reid 

Pilot  Mountain 

Rockford 

J.  G.  Burrus 

Rockford 

Shoals 

M.  F.  Butner 

Pinnacle,  R.  1 

0.  F.  Hauser 

Shoals 

C.  W.  Key 

Pinnacle 

R.  S.  Scott 

Shoals 

Siloam 

R.  N.  Marion 

Siloam 

Stewarts  Creek 

J.  H.  East 

Mount  Airy,  R.  3 

I.  W.  Reece 

Mount  Airy,  R.  3 

Westfield 

Thomas  L.  Brim 

Brim 

P.  H.  Jessup 

Brim 

H.  E.  Taylor 

Pilot  Mountain, R.2 

W.  W.  Wamburn 

Mount  Airy,  R.  1 

SWAIN 

Charleston 

D.  De  Hart 

Bryson  City 

Nantahala 

G.  W.  McCracken 

Bryson  City 

Forneys  Creek 
Ocona  Lufty 

G.  I.  Calhoun 

Proctor 

TRANSYLVANIA 

Boyd 

John  S.  Boggs 

Brevard,  R.  2 

Brevard 

T.  L.  Gash 

Catheys  Creek 

J.  M.  Zachary 

Calvert 

Harry  C.  Fenwick 

Selica 

Dunns  Rock 
Estatoe 

G.  W.  Whitmore 

Brevard,  R.  1 

80 


Forest  Fires  in  K’orth  Carolina 


TRANSYLVANIA— Continued 


WILKES — Continued 


Gloucester 

Jesse  M.  McCall 

Balsam  Grove 

Lovelace 

Parks  M.  Reid 

Spurgeon 

J.  W.  Owen 

Lake  Toxaway,  R.l 

T.  A.  Triplett 

Hunting  Creek 

Hogback 

T.  C.  McCall 

Quebec 

C.  C.  Wright 

Hunting  Creek 

Little  River 

A.  J.  Beddingfield  Etowah,  It.  1 

R.  V.  Wright 

Hunting  Creek 

Moravian  Falls 

W.  G.  Meadows 

Moravian  Falls 

WATAUGA 

Mulberry 

H.  H.  Jennings 

N.  Wulkesboro,  R.  1 

Bald  Mountain 

C.  M.  Blackburn 

Brookside 

New  Castle 

G.  W.  Sale 

Ronda 

Beaver  Dam 

S.  C.  Eggers 

Vilas 

C.  M.  Welborn 

New  Castle 

Smith  Hagaman 

Vilas 

North  Wilkesboro  Leonard  Vyne 

North  Wilkesboro 

Blowing  Rock 

L.  S.  Bollinger 

Blowing  Rock 

Reddies  River 

O.  L.  Foster 

Congo 

R.  K.  Hartley 

Blowing  Rock 

Rock  Creek 

W.  N.  Alexander 

North  Wilkesboro 

Blue  Ridge 

A.  B.  Hays 

Hays 

Boone 

T.  L.  Critcher 

Bamboo 

Somers 

S.  A.  Mitchell 

New  Castle 

W.  D.  Farthing 

Boone 

Stanton 

H.  O.  Parsons 

Purlear 

Cove  Creek 

N.  L.  Mast 

Mast 

Traphill 

G.  M.  Brown 

Traphill 

Elk 

J.  W.  Hayes 

Triplet 

Union 

C.  H.  Colvard 

WTilbar 

Laurel  Creek 

D.  C.  Mast 

Sugar  Grove 

W.  H.  Joines 

Wllbar 

Meat  Camp 

W.  W.  Norris 

Sands 

David  Roten 

Sherman 

North  Fork 

J.  M.  May 

Trade,  Tenn.,  R.  2 

Walnut  Grove 

W.  L.  Brewer 

Brewers 

J.  0.  J.  Potter 

Tamarack 

Wilkesboro 

H.  H.  Moorehouse  Oakwoods 

F.  M.  Thomas 

Trade,  Tenn. 

W.  D.  Woodruff 

Wilkesboro 

Shawneehaw 

YANCEY 

Stony  Fork 

Burnesville 

J.  M.  Banks 

Anatone 

Watauga 

J.  F.  Church 

Shulls  Mills 

Cane  River 

Gus  F.  Hensley 

Bald  Creek 

Z.  P.  King 

Wampler 

WILKES 

R.  A.  Radford 

Cane  River 

Antioch 

Simon  Curry 

Call 

W.  J.  Wraycaster 

Bald  Creek 

L.  M.  Jarvis 

Roaring  River 

Crabtree 

J.  G.  Marsh 

Bowditch 

Beaver  Creek 

T.  J.  James 

Ferguson 

A.  B.  Silver 

Micaville 

V.  McGlimnis 

Boomer 

N.  N.  Silver 

Micaville 

W.  J.  St.  Clair 

Boomer,  R.  2 

Egypt 

D.  M.  Buck 

Bald  Mountain 

Boomer 

John  E.  Phillips 

Boomer 

Green  Mountain 

D.  C.  Renfro 

Toledo 

Brushy  Mountain  J . J.  Hendren 

Gilreath 

Jacks  Creek 

B.  T.  Horton 

Burnsville, R.  F.  D. 

Edwards 

C.  F.  Fields 

Elkin 

Carl  Young 

Day  Book 

P.  A.  Lomax 

Lomax 

Prices  Creek 

P.  S.  Casida 

Burnsville 

E.  W.  Settle 

Benham 

J.  D.  Robinson 

Paint  Gap 

Elk 

G.  W.  Welch 

Mount  Zion 

W.  B.  Wrray 

Cane  River 

Jobs  Cabin 

J.  W.  Church 

Summit 

Pensacola 

Lewis  Fork 

E.  C.  Foster 

Purlear 

Brush  Creek 

W.  G.  Foster 

Champion 

Ramseytown 

J.  A.  Hannum 

Ramseytown 

B.  C.  Triplett 

Marley  Ford 

South  Toe 

C.  R.  Harrison 

Celo 

PIEDMONT  REGION 

ALAMANCE 

Albright 

ALEXANDER 

Boone  Station 

Ellendale 

Coble 

Green  A.  Nicholson  Burlington,  R.  1 

Gwaltneys 

J.  F.  Homewood 

Burlington 

Little  River 

Faucett 

Miller 

J.  T.  Hedrick 

Stony  Point,  R.  3 

Graham 

Lewis  H.  Holt 

Graham 

Sharpes 

T.  F.  Murdock 

Hiddenite 

H.  J.  Stockard 

Graham 

A.  A.  Somers 

Stony  Point 

J.  M.  McCracken 

Graham 

Sugar  Loaf 

J.  P.  Russell 

Taylorsville 

Haw  River 

Taylorsville 

I.  A.  Barnes 

Taylorsville 

Melville 

Morton 

J.  T.  Bowles 

Altamahaw,  R.  2 

Wittenburg 

L.  D.  Rippy 

Altamahaw 

ANSON 

Newlin 

R.  F.  Moore 

Saxapahaw 

Ansonville 

North  Burlington 

Burnsville 

Patterson 

R.  J.  Thompson 

Rock  Creek,  R.  2 

Gulledge 

R.  Z.  Hornaday 

Rock  Creek,  R.  2 

Lanesboro 

Pleasant  Grove 

S.  E.  Tate 

Mebane 

Lilesville 

W.  B.  Sellers 

Mebane,  R.  3 

Morven 

South  Burlington 

Wadesboro 

Thompson 

H.  G.  Paris 

Graham,  R.  F.  D. 

White  Store 

W.  M.  Overman 

Graham,  R.  2 

H.  M.  Cates 

Graham,  R.  2 

Forest  Fires  in  FTorth  Carolina 


81 


CABARRUS 

No.  1 
No.  2 
No.  S 

.C.  H.  Hamilton 

Davidson 

No.  i 

F.  W.  Glass 

Glass 

No.  5 

L.  J.  Sapp 

Concord,  R.  3 

No.  6 

G.  M.  Cress 

Concord,  R.  4 

No.  7 

J.  W.  Honeycutt 

Gold  Hill,  R.  3 

C.  L.  Earnhardt 

Gold  Hill 

No.  8 

L.  A.  Lipe 

Mount  Pleasant 

No.  9 

D.  Milas  Coley 

Georgeville 

George  C.  Shinn 

Georgeville 

No.  10 
No.  11 
No.  12 

John  S.  Turner 

Stanfield 

CASWELL 

Anderson 
Dan  River 

D.  G.  Watkins 

Blanch 

Hightowers 
Leasburg 
Locust  Hill 

J.  L.  Warren 

Hightowers 

Milton 

W.  0.  Smith 

Milton,  R.  1 

Pelham 

J.  A.  Brackin 

Danville,  Va.,  R.  5 

T.  J.  Martin 

Pelham 

Stony  Creek 
Yanceyville 

F.  G.  Harrelson 

Y ance  yville 

J.  W.  Wiggins 

Yanceyville 

CATAWBA 

Bandy s 

William  Hoyle 

Reepsville 

Caldwell 

T.  L.  Bandy 

Catawba 

Catawba 

A.  L.  Loftin 

Catawba 

Clines 

P.  L.  Smyre 

Claremont 

J.  H.  C.  Huitt 

Catawba 

G.  W.  Winebarger 

Canover 

H ickory 

W.  P.  Bowman 

Hickory,  647  High- 

land Ave. 

A.  K. Joy 

Hickory 

Jacobs  Fork 
Mountain  Creek 

E.  M.  Yoder 

Hickory 

Newton 

J.  Y.  Killian 

Newton 

CHATHAM 

Albright 

W.  J.  Thompson 

Siler  City,  R.  1 

Baldwin 

C.  A.  Snipes 

Bynum,  R.  1 

G.  G.  Ward 

Bynum 

Bear  Creek 

J.  L.  Glosson 

Bonlee 

Cape  Fear 
Center 

James  L.  Griffin 
W.  H.  Hearne 

Pittsboro 

Gulf 
Hadley 
Haw  River 

Rev.  G.  C.  Phillips 

Bear  Creek 

Hickory  Mountain 

Matthews 

D.  Talmage  Siler 

Siler  City,  R.  2 

New  Hope 

Oakland 

Williams 

W.  T.  Hunt 

Apex 

CLEVELAND 

No.  1 
No.  2 
No.  S 

E.  B.  Hamrick 

Boiling  Springs 

No.  4 

H.  W.  Gallinure 

Kings  Mountain 

No.  o 

S.  C.  Lattimore 

Shelby 

T.  L.  Hord 

Waco 

C.  C.  Bram 

Waco 

CLEVELAND— Continued 


No.  5 

S.  L.  Dellinger 

Waco 

No.  6 

Joe  E.  Blanton 

Shelby 

No.  7 
No.  8 

J.  B.  Lattimore 

Lattimore 

No.  9 

J.  W.  Grigg 

Lawndale 

No.  10 

J.  M.  Carpenter 

Belwood 

John  T.  Warlick 

Belwrood,  R.  1 

No.  11 

J.  F.  Logan 

Casar 

DAVIDSON 

Abbots  Creek 

L.  H.  Bumgardner  Casar 

Alleghany 

A.  H.  Michael 

Chandler 

F.  M.  Cook 

Newsom 

Arcadia 

C.  W.  Stokes 

Newsom 

Boone 

Conrad  Hill 

Oscar  F.  Hughes 

Light 

Cotton  Grove 
Emons 

0.  L.  Stoner 

Southmont 

Hampton 

W.  L.  Davis 

Clemmons,  R.  2 

Healing  Springs 

J.  A.  Kinney 

High  Rock 

Jackson  Hill 

D.  G.  Smith 

High  Rock,  R.  1 

Lemelys 

J.  A.  Boyles 

Davidson 

Lexington 

H.  L.  Leonard 

Lexington 

Midway 

R.  E.  Lambeth 

Winston-Salem,  R.5 

Reedy  Creek 

James  Nifong 

Winston-Salem,  R.4 

Silver  Hill 

C.  A.  Hedrick 

Lexington,  R.  6 

Thomasville 

J.  E.  Meredith 

Thomasville,  R.  2 

J.  W.  Bowers 

Thomasville,  R.  1 

Tyro 

C.  L.  Hedrick 

Davidson 

N.  H.  Swicegood 

Linwood,  R.  1 

H.  H.  Hartey 

Lexington,  R.  5 

Joe  Sink 

Lexington,  R.  5 

F.  F.  Snyder 

Linwood,  R.  1 

Yadkin  College 

Edward  L.  Greene 

Yadkin  College 

DAVIE 

M.  F.  Phillips 

Yadkin  College 

Calahaln 

J.  M.  Ratledge 

Calahaln 

J.  H.  Boyd 

Calahaln 

W.  S.  Belk 

Calahaln 

A.  D.  Ratledge 

Calahaln 

Jesse  L.  Cartner 

Mocksville,  R.  1 

Clarksville 

D.  R.  Eaton 

Cana 

Farmington 

M.  J.  Hendricks 

Cana 

Fulton 

George  T.  Tucker 

Advance,  R.  2 

J erusalem 

J.  D.  Goins 

Cooleemee 

Mocksville 

D.  C.  Foster 

Mocksville 

A.  C.  Kelly 

Mocksville 

Shady  Grove 

A.  C.  Wood 

Advance 

DURHAM 

Carr 

Cedar  Fork 

Durham 

J.  W.  Ferrell 

Durham,  R.  2 

Lebanon 

G.  C.  Stallings 

Durham,  R.  6 

Mangum 
Oak  Grove 

W.  J.  Young 

Rougemont 

Patterson 

FORSYTH 

P.  H.  Massey 

Durham,  R.  3 

Abbots  Creek 

E.  L.  Carter 

Kernersville 

Belews  Creek 

A.  W.  Preston 

Belew  Creek 

Bethania 


6 


Forest  Fires  in  ITorth  Carolina 


FORSYTH— Continued 


Broad  Bay 

George  W.  Flynt 

Winston-  Salem 

W.  R.  Rominger 

107  Flat  Rock  St. 
Winston-Salem 

Clemmonsville 

C.  H.  Reed 

Winston-Salem,  R., 

Kernersville 

D.  W.  Harnon 

Kernersville 

Lewisville 

E.  B.  Shouse 

Clemmons,  R.  1 

Middle  Fork 

W.  B.  Cline 

Winston-Salem,  R.: 

Old  Richmond 

J.  R.  Wall 

Tobaccoville,  R.  3 

Old  Town 
Salem  Chapel 

0.  V.  Pfoff 

Tobaccoville 

South  Fork 

J.  M.  Jarvis 

Winston-Salem,  R.l 

Vienna 
Winston 
West  Salem 

C.  F.  Mieker 

Pfaffiown 

FRANKLIN 

Cedar  Rock 

T.  W.  Stokes 

Louisburg,  R.  4 

Cypress  Creek 
Dunns 

J.  M.  Sykes 

Mapleville 

Franklinton 
Gold  Mine 

J.  O.  Green 

Franklinton 

Harris 

M.  C.  Wilder 

Louisburg 

Z.  L.  Cheaver 

Louisburg 

N.  B.  Young 

Louisburg,  R.  1 

Hayesville 

Kenneth  Hawkins 

Kittrell 

Louisburg 

Sandy  Creek 
Youngsville 

G.  C.  Parrish 

Gupton 

GASTON 

Cherryville 

J.  Kine 

Bessemer  City 

L.  H.  J.  Houser 

Cherryville 

Crowders  Mtn. 

John  J.  Ormand 

Bessemer  City 

Dallas 

D.  A.  Medlin 

High  Shoals 

J.  A.  Furday 

Dallas 

Gastonia 

L.  E.  Rankin 

Gastonia 

River  Bend 
South  Point 

GRANVILLE 

W.  B.  Rutledge 

Mount  Holly 

Brassfield 

Dutchville 

Fishing  Creek 

E.  C.  Harris 

Oak  Hill 

J.  S.  Watkins 

Virgilina,  Va,  R.  2 

Oxford 

C.  H.  Cheatham 

Oxford 

B.  Z.  Royster 

Oxford 

Sassafras  Fork 
Salem 

C.  C.  Heggie 

Stovall 

Tally  Ho 

E.  N.  Clement 

Oxford,  R.  1 

W.  S.  Gooch 

Stem 

Walnut  Grove 

B.  T.  Dean 

Oxford,  R.  4 

GUILFORD 

Bruce 

J.  B.  Ogburn 

Summerfield 

C.  H.  Willson 

Summerfield 

Center  Grove 

L.  A.  Walker 

Summerfield 

Clay 

Deep  River 

W.  D.  Clayton 

Summerfield 

Fentress 

Friendship 

Gilmer 

J.  M.  Watlington 

Pleasant  Garden 

Greene 

L.  W.  Causey 

Liberty 

W.  M.  Hanner 

Liberty 

GUILFORD— Continued 


High  Point 

G.  B.  Yarbrough 

102  Ennis  Street, 
High  Point 

J amestown 

E.  S.  Armfield 

Greensboro,  R.  3 

Jefferson 

H.  L.  Cannon 

Pleasant  Garden 

Madison 

Monroe 

Morehead 

E.  S.  Holt 

McLeans  ville 

Oak  Ridge 

D.  L.  Donnell 

Oak  Ridge 

Rock  Creek 

W.  R.  Wood 

Gibsonville 

Summer 

A.  0.  Newman 

Greensboro,  R.  1 

R.  C.  Short 

Greensboro,  R.  1 

Washington 

IREDELL 

Barringer 

Bethany 

W.  T.  Cummings 

Gibsonville 

Chambersburg 
Coddle  Creek 
Concord 

J.  T.  Carter 

Cool  Spring 

V.  C.  Montgomery  Statesville,  R.  7 

Davidson 

H.  L.  Swann 

Statesville,  R.  4 

Eagle  Mills 

P.  B.  Kennedy 

Houstonville 

A.  F.  Cook 

Harmony,  R.  3 

Fallistown 

J.  H.  Troutman 

Troutmans 

New  Hope 

D.  A.  Warren 

New  Hope 

Olin 

J.  L.  Reid 

New  Hope 

Sharpsburg 

Shiloh 

Statesville 

Turnersburg 

W.  B.  McLelland 

Stony  Point,  R.  2 

Union  Grove 

J.  W.  Crater 

Olin 

LEE 

Cape  Fear 
Deep  River 
East  Sanford 


Greenwood 

J.  J.  Edwards 

Lemon  Springs 

Jonesboro 

Pocket 

J.  H.  Henley 

Sanford 

D.  A.  Cole 

Sanford,  R.  1 

John  B.  Cameron 

Sanford,  R.  3 

W.  E.  Paschal 

Sanford, R.  3 

West  Sanford 

W.S.  Weatherspoon  Sanford 

J.  F.  Jones 

Broadway 

LINCOLN 

Catawba  Springs  D.  C.  K.  Wilkinson  Iron  Station 

Howards  Creek 

T.  A.  Warlick 

Reeps  ville 

R.  B.  Sullivan 

Hickory 

Charles  Black 

Crouse 

W.  C.  Kiser 

Reepsville 

fronton 

J.  E.  Reinhardt 

Iron  Station 

G.  B.  Goodson 

Lincolnton 

Lincolnton 

T.  J.  Ramsaur 

North  Brook 

T.  Pate  Jenks 

Henry 

C.  W.  Beam 

Cherryville 

MECKLENBURG 

Berry  hill 

R.  C.  Freeman 

Charlotte,  R.  4 

Charlotte 

J.  A.  Baldwin 

Charlotte 

J.  Y.  Orders 

Charlotte,  R.  2 

Clear  Creek 

C.  P.  Munge 

Allen,  R.  1 

Crab  Orchard 

W.  M.  Junker 

Allen 

Deweese 

J.  L.  Sloan 

Davidson 

Forest  Fires  in  North  Carolina 


83 


MECKLENBURG— Continued 


Deweese 

W.  P.  Sloan 

Huntersville 

M.  W.  Van  Pelt 
J.  L.  Mayberry 

Lemleys 

M.  M.  Blythe 

Long  Creek 

W.  P.  Craven 
W.  M.  Kearns 

Mallard  Creek 
Morning  Star 
Paw  Creek 

H.  Y.  Galloway 

Pineville 

W.  M.  Garrison 

Providence 

Sharon 

W.  T.  Pharr 
A.  B.  Hood 

Steele  Creek 

C.  R.  Choate 
John  L.  Millwee 

MOORE 

Ben  Salem 

E.  K.  Sheffield 
J.  M.  Deaton 
Mcl.  Kennedy 

Carthage 
Deep  River 

J.  S.  Currie 

Greenwood 

H.  P.  McPherson 
M.  D.  McLean 

McNeills 

D.  C.  Lemon 

Mineral  Springs 
Ritters 

J.  T.  SeaweU 

Sand  Hills 

Bion  H.  Butler 

Sheffields 

D.  H.  Homer 
W.  G.  Carter 

MONTGOMERY 

Biscoe 

Sam  T.  Ewing 
Carl  McGill 
N.  C.  McLeod 
J.  M.  Wright 

Cheeks  Creek 

J.  R.  McKenzie 
D.  J.  Poole* 

Eldorado 

N.  M.  Thayer 
J.  A.  Kirk 

Little  River 

W.  A.  Leach 

Mount  Gilead 

John  A.  McAulay 

Ophir 
Pee  Dee 

N.  S.  Hamilton 

Rocky  Springs 

J.  F.  Whitlock 
M.  A.  Bennett 

Troy 

J.  R.  Wallace 
L.  R.  Lisk 
0.  B.  Deaton 
Barna  Allen 

Uwharrie 

Wadeville 

J.  B.  Henley 

ORANGE 

Bingham 
Cedar  Grove 

T.  J.  Oldahm 

Chapel  Hill 

J.  M.  Loyd 
M.  Lindsay 

Cheeks 

James  0.  Webb 

Eno 

Hillsboro 
Little  River 

Robert  M.  Hill 

PERSON 

Allenville 

W.  T.  Whitt 

Bushy  Fork 

A.  M.  Long 
R.  S.  Bayner 

Cunningham 

Davidson 

PERSON— Continued 

Flat  River 

Huntersville 

Holloway 

Huntersville 

Huntersville,  R.  22 
Charlotte,  R.  6 

Mount  Tirzah 

Huntersville,  R.F.D. 

Olive  Hill 

Derita,  R.  11 

Pineville 

Charlotte 

Roxboro 

Woodsdale 

RANDOLPH 

Asheboro 

Matthews,  R.  17 

Back  Creek 

Charlotte,  R.  3 

Brower 

Pineville,  R.  15 

Cedar  Grove 

Eagle  Springs 
Spies,  R.  2 
Eagle  Springs 

Colerdige 

Columbia 

Carthage 

Concord 

Cameron 

Franklinville 

Grant 

Cameron 
Southern  Pines 

Level  Cross 

Putnam 
Southern  Pines 

Liberty 
New  Hope 

Henry 

New  Market 

Carters  Mills 

Pleasant  Grove 

Candor 

Providence 

Randleman 

Steeds 

Biscoe 

Richland 

Biscoe 

Pekin 

Tabernacle 

Pekin 

Trinity 

Eldorado 

Union 

Eldorado 
Martins  Mill 

ROCKINGHAM 

Mount  Gilead 

Huntsville 

Immer 

Leaksville 

Sulphur  Springs 

Madison 

Jackson  Springs 

Mayo 

Troy 

New  Bethel 

Troy 

Price 

Troy 

Reidsville 

Troy 

Ruffin 

Wadeville 
Mebane,  R.  2 

Simpsonmlle 

Wentworth 

Williamsburg 

Hillsboro 

ROWAN 

Chapel  Hill 

Atwell 

Efland 

Hillsboro 

Roxboro,  R.  2 

China  Grove 
Cleveland 

Hurdle  Mills 

Franklin 

Hurdle  Mills,  R.  2 

Gold  Hill 

J.  C.  Cates 

Timberlake 

G.  E.  W'oody 

Woodsdale 

J.  B.  Barrett 

Woodsdale,  R.  2 

S.  P.  Gentry 

Denniston.Ya.,  R.  1 

T.  C.  Wagstaff 

Roxboro 

W.  A.  Winstead 

Roxboro,  R.  3 

J.  W.  Younger 

Roxboro 

J.  S.  Ridge 

Asheboro 

N.  H.  Ferguson 

Randleman 

M.  F.  Wrenn 

Steeds,  R.  1 

H,  T.  Bray 

Ramseur,  R.  1 

H.  P.  Moffitt 

Ramseur 

Robt.  L.  Caviness 

Coleridge 

John  T.  Turner 

Ramseur 

J.  M.  Yates 

Caraway 

J.  V.  Free 

Cedar  Falls 

C.  0.  Ingold 

Asheboro,  R.  1 

S.  S.  Cox 

Asheboro,  R.  F.  D. 

W.  B.  Owen 

Liberty 

R.  C.  Palmer 

Liberty 

J.  A.  Wall 

Sophia 

J.  A.  Ward 

Cheeks 

N.  T.  Grcce 

Worthville 

0.  C.  Marsh 

RandlemaD 

A.  C.  Lowdermilk 

Seagrove 

C. E.  Stuart 

Seagrove 

W.  H.  Lawrence 

Caraway,  R.  1 

S.  A.  Cox 

Pisgah 

W.  A.  Presnell 

Seagrove 

J.  M.  Price 

Leaksville 

L.  J.  Shelton 

Spray 

T.  L.  Smith 

Stoneville 

W.  G.  Sharpe 

Wentworth,  R.  1 

T.  J.  Martin 

Pelham 

W.  K.  Gibbs 

Reidsville 

D.  E.  Purcell 

Wentworth 

James  W.  Moore 

Reidsville,  R.  3 

A.  J.  Whittemore 
George  T.  Davis 

Reidsville 

J.  L.  Fleming 

China  Grove,  R.  2 

A.  L.  Deal 

Mooresville 

F.  D . Patterson 

China  Grove 

W.  C.  Goodman 

Cleveland 

A.  Leroy  Powlas 

Barber 

D.  B.  Rosebrough  Cleveland 

E.  B.  Davis 

Cleveland 

J.  Cicero  Miller 

Salisbury,  R.  1 

J.  A.  Earnhardt 

Gold  Hill 

G.  H.  Peeler 

Rockwell 

84 


Forest  Fires  in  North  Carolina 


ROWAN— Continued 


Lock 

Litaker 

Morgan 

G.  M.  Hoffman 

Gold  Hill 

C.  A.  Campbell 

Gold  Hill 

M.  Earnhardt 

Gold  Hill 

John  W.  Miller 

Richfield,  R.  2 

G.  Allen  Trexler 

Gold  Hill 

Paul  T.  Goodman  Gold  Hill 

Mount  Vila 

J.  C.  Sherrill 

Mount  Ulla 

E.  S.  Miller 

Mount  Ulla 

Providence 

R.  M.  Peeler 

Salisbury 

Salisbury 

A.  L.  Smoot 

Salisbury 

Steel 

J.  S.  Hall 

Barber 

Scotch-Irish 

Unity 

STANLY 

C.  T.  Beeker 

Mount  Ulla 

Almond 

U.  S.  Burleyson 

Albemarle,  R.  6 

Big  Lick 
Center 

R.  H.  Burleyson 

Albemarle 

Endy 

L.  H.  Bost 

Albemarle,  R.  6 

Furr 

A.  F.  Haigler 

Stanfield 

J.  H.  McClure 

Mount  Pleasant 

Harris 

D.  R.  Parker 

Palmerville 

E.  C.  Bost 

New  London 

North  Albemarle 

E.  A.  Ridenhour 

Richfield 

Ridenhour 

R.  L.  Lipe 

Richfield,  R.  1 

South  Albemarle 

J.  J.  Efird 

J.  C.  Parker 

Albemarle 

Tyson 

J.  M.  Reap 

Albemarle,  R.  5 

STOKES 

Beaver  Island 

J.  Wilson  Mitchell 

Dillard 

Big  Creek 

Joe  Francis 

Francisco 

Danbury 

J.  R.  Forrest 

Francisco 

Meadows 

Samuel  C.  Hill  Germanton 

Peters  Creek 

I.  G.  Ross 

Walnut  Cove 

Quaker  Gap 
Sauratown 
Snow  Creek 

J.  R.  East 

Yadkin 

D.  V.  Carroll 

Mizpah 

UNION 

Buford 

R.  W.  Elliott 

Monroe 

Goose  Creek 

A.  W.  McManus 

Unionville,  R. 

Jackson 

W.  R.  McNeely 

Waxhaw 

Wm.  McWhorter 

Waxhaw,  R.  5 

Lanes  Creek 

B.  F.  Parker 

Monroe 

Marshville 

T.  C.  Griffin 

Marshville 

Monroe 
New  Salem 

F.  W.  Ashcraft 

Marshville 

Sandy  Ridge 

J.  N.  Price 

Monroe,  R.  5 

Vance 

* 

VANCE 

Dabney 

J.  T.  Alderman 

Henderson 

Henderson 


VANCE — Continued 


Kittrell 

J.  B.  Allen 

Henderson,  R.  4 

Middleburg 

T.  B.  Porham 

Henderson,  R.  3 

Nutbush 

C.  M.  White 

Manson 

Sandy  Creek 

E.  T.  Alston 

Henderson,  R.  1 

Townsville 

J.  E.  Kimball 

Watkins 

H.  D.  Floyd 

Henderson,  R.  5 

Williamsboro 

J.  H.  Rice 

Henderson,  R.  7 

WAKE 

Bartons  Creek 

R.  A.  Bullock 

Henderson,  R.  3 

Buckhorn 

Cary 

A.  C.  Olive 

New  Hill 

Cedar  Fork 
Holly  Springs 
House  Creek 
Leesville 
Little  River 
Marks  Creek 
Middle  Creek 

Neuse  River 

J.  D.  Willson 

Neuse 

New  Light 

J.  B.  Wiggins 

Neuse,  R.  1 

Panthers  Branch 

Miss  S.  M.  Adams 

Willow  Springs 

Raleigh 
St.  Marys 
St.  Matthews 

Arch  J.  Woods 

Swift  Creek 
Wake  Forest 

T.  A.  Whitaker 

Raleigh 

White  Oak 

Sexton  Lawrence 

Apex,  R.  3 

WARREN 


Fishing  Creek 

J.  F.  Hunter 

Areola 

0.  C.  Davis 

Grove  Hill 

Fork 

W.  H.  Pridgen 

Creek 

Hawtree 
J udkins 

J.  D.  Newell 

Macon 

Nutbush 

R.  D.  Paschall 

Ridgeway 

River 

A.  L.  Pope 

Vaughn 

Roanoke 

H.  L.  Wall 

Elams 

Sandy  Creek 

S.  J.  Pritchard 

Henderson,  R.  6 

Shocco 

Six-pound 

J.  B.  Davis 

Alston 

Smith  Creek 

J.  F.  P.  Harton 

Norlina 

W.  C.  Mabry 

Ridgeway 

Warrenton 

G.  E.  White 

N orlina 

YADKIN 


Boonville 

A.  S.  Speer 

Boonville 

Buck  Shoal 

E.  G.  Myers 

Buck  Shoal 

G.  T.  White 

Buck  Shoal 

Deep  Creek 

J.  W.  McCoy 

Yadkinville 

East  Bend 

W.  Y.  Wall 

East  Bend 

Fall  Creek 

E.  B.  Vestal 

Siloam 

J.  R.  Hall 

Siloam 

E.  J.  Vestal 

Yadkinville 

Forbush 

J.  K.  Gough 

East  Bend 

Knobs 

John  H.  Eaton 

Yadkinville,  R.  2 

Liberty 

J.  L.  Crater 

Yadkinville 

Little  Yadkin 

Will  A.  Jones 

Lewisville,  R.  1 

BEAUFORT 

Bath 

Chocowinity 
Long  Acre 
Pantego 
Richland 

Washington 

BERTIE 

Colerain 
Indian  Woods 
Merry  Hill 
Mitchells 
Roxobel 


Snakebite 

Whites 

JT  indsor 
Woodville 

BLADEN 

Abbotts 
Bethel 
Bladenboro 
Brown  Marsh 
Carvers  Creek 

Central 

Colly 

Cypress  Creek 
Elizabethtown 

Frenchs  Creek 
Hollow 
Lake  Creek 
Turnbull 
White  Oak 
White's  Creek 

BRUNSWICK 

Northwest 
Lockwoods  Folly 
Shallotte 
Smithville 
Town  Creek 
Waccamaw 

CAMDEN 

Court  House 

Shiloh 
South  Mills 

CARTERET 

Beaufort 
Cedar  Island 

Hunting  Quarters 
Merrimon 


Forest  Fires  in  North  Carolina 


85 


COASTAL  PLAIN  REGION 


CARTERET— Continued 

G.  H.  Elliott 

Washington 

Morehead 

W.  M.  Kear 

Washington 

Newport 
Portsmouth 
Straits 
White  Oak 

J.  A.  Hardy 

Aurora 

Smyrna 

H.  E.  Tripp,  Jr. 

Blounts  Creek 

CHOWAN 

No.  1 
No.  2 

M.  B.  Chappel 

Edenton 

E.  D.  Spruill 

Quitsna 

No.  3 
No.  4 

E.  W.  Welch 

Tyner 

T.  A.  Smithwick 

Merry  Hill 

H.  L.  Early 

Aulander 

W.  R.  Brown 

Kelford 

COLUMBUS 

T.  S.  Norfleet 

Roxobel 

Bogue 

Geo.  T.  Parker 

Kelford 

Bolton 

M.  D.  Creech 

Bolton 

J.  Rufus  Cherry 

Windsor 

John Innes 

Bolton 

J.  H.  Lawrence 

Colerain,  R.  3 

Bug  Hill 

G.  L.  Holmes 

Dotham 

H.  J.  Ward 
W.  D.  White 

Windsor,  R.  3 

Chadbourn 

J.  H.  Lay 

Pireway 

Fair  Bluff 
Lees 

James  A.  Pierce 

Vineland 

N.  M.  Ward 

Nakina 

Ransom 

W.  L.  Hobbs 

New  Berlin 

A.  R.  Edwards 

Bladenboro 

South  Whiteville 

B.  White 

Vineland 

S.  N.  Ferguson 

Bladenboro 

South  Williams 

E.  J.  Cox 

Clarkton 

Tatums 

D.  F.  McLelland 

Evergreen 

S.  M.  Newell 

Council 

A.  H.  Porter 

Whiteville 

F.  F.  Dickson 

Council 

Waccamaw 

K.  B.  Council 

Wananish 

R.  P.  Tatum 

Ruskin 

Welches  Creek 

J.  M.  Smith 

W'hiteville 

D.  A.  Nanbler 

Elizabethtown 

Whiteville 

D.  H.  Collier 

Whiteville 

J.  L.  Peterson 

Elizabethtown 

Williams 

W.  C.  Gore 

Clarendon 

R.  B.  Cromartie 

Elizabethtown 

CRAVEN 

A.  H.  Pait 

Elizabethtown 

No.  1 

• 

No.  2 

S.  F.  Cain 

Tar  Heel 

No.  3 

D.  J.  Sessoms 

Ivanhoe,  R.  2 

No.  4 
No.  5 

John  S.  Morton 

North  Harlowe 

Clarkton 

James  L.  Taylor 

Bachelor 

I.  A.  Register 

No.  6 

E.  A.  Armstrong 

Havelock 

T.  E.  Haywood 

Croatan 

John  L.  Tull 

Havelock 

No.  7 
No.  8 

Troy  Hewett 

Shallotte 

No.  9 

J.  B.  Atkinson 
R.  C.  Phelps 

Winnabow 

Ash 

CUMBERLAND 

Beaver  Dam 

F.  E.  Bullard 

Roseboro 

Black  River 

N.  Williams 

Godwin 

Carvers  Creek 

J.  E.  Jordan 

Overhills  (Harnett 

T.  B.  Godfrey 

Camden 

County) 

Mrs.  B.  Sawyer 

Belcross 

Cedar  Creek 

M.  S.  Jones 

Old  Trap 

Cross  Creek 
Flea  Hill 

D.  D.  Bain 

W7ade,  R.  1 

H.  H.  Bolton 

Fayetteville,  R.  1 

Grays  Creek 
Manchester 

J.  B.  Goodwin 

Roe 

Pearces  Mill 

G.  M.  Powell 

Humboldt,  Tenn. 

T.  L.  Goodwin 

Roe 

Rockfish 

Seventy-first 

C.  C.  Howard 

Fayetteville 

86 


Forest  Fires  in  FTorth  Carolina 


CURRITUCK 

GREENE — Continued 

Atlantic 

Mrs.  N.  T.  Hurdle 

Jason 

Levi  Hill 

Snow  Hill 

W.  J.  Tate 

Coinjock 

W.  D.  Mewborn 

LaGrange 

Crawford 

A.  B.  Midgett 

Coinjock 

Olds 

T.  E.  Barrow 

Farmville 

E. R.  Johnson 

Currituck 

Ormonds 

W.  A.  Darden 

Ayden 

Fruilville 

W.  T.  Fentress 

Knotts  Island 

Shine 

David  Jones 

Knotts  Island 

Speights  Bridge 

Moyock 

W.  M.  Stewart 

Vine,  Va. 

Snow  Hill 

Poplar  Branch 

W.  N.  Hampton 

Poplar  Branch 

R.  L.  Newbern 

Olds 

HALIFAX 

Brinkleyville 

N.  M.  Harrison 

DARE 

D.  S.  Moss 

Ringwood 

Croatan 

C.  R.  Fulcher 

Manns  Harbor 

Butterwood 

S.  T.  Thoone,  Jr. 

Airlie 

G.  W.  Hooper 

Stumpy  Point 

Conoconara 

J.  H.  Darden 

Springhill 

East  Lake 

Enfield 

Hatteras 

N.  F.  Jennett 

Buxton 

Faucetts 

B.  B.  Ballance 

Hatteras 

Halifax 

Kennekeet 

Littleton 

Nags  Head 

M.  G.  Hollowell 

Nags  Head 

Palmyra 

W.  G.  Hedgepeth 

Hobgood 

W.  H.  White 

Hobgood 

DUPLIN 

Roseneath 

Albertson 

W.  G.  Kornegay 

Alvin 

Roanoke  Rapids 

Cypress  Creek 

Scotland  Neck 

Faison 

Z.  V.  Blount 

Faison 

Weldon 

J.  W.  Pierce 

Weldon 

Glisson 

HARNETT 

Island  Creek 

A ndersons  Creek 

Kenansville 

Henry  Dail 

Kenansville 

Aierasboro 

V.  L.  Stephens 

Dunn 

Limestone 

J.  W.  Whitehead 

Dunn 

Magnolia 

Barbecue 

E.  B.  Hodgin 

Spout  Springs 

Rock  Fish 

Black  River 

Rose  Hill 

• 

Buckhorn 

Smith 

Duke 

Wilson  H.  Lucas 

Duke 

Warsaw 

W.  R.  Blackmore 

Warsaw 

Grove 

T.  D.  Stewart 

Coats 

Wolfscrape 

Hectors  Creek 

Johnsonville 

EDGECOMBE 

Lillington 

H.  M.  Spears 

Lillington 

No.  1 

A.  M.  Show 

Lillington 

No.  2 

Miss  C.  Withers 

Lillington,  R. 

No.  3 

0.  P.  House 

Speed 

Neills  Creek 

F.  H.  Taylor 

Buies  Creek 

V.  B.  Knight 

Speed 

Stewarts  Creek 

S.  M.  Hobbs 

Linden 

No.  4 

U pper Little  River  J.  B.  F.  Stewart 

Mamers 

No.  5 

E.  J.  Hurdle 

Tarboro 

No.  6 

HERTFORD 

No.  7 

S.  N.  Weeks 

Battleboro 

Ahoskie 

A.  E.  Garrett 

Ahoskie 

No.  8 

B.  T.  Eagles 

Macclesfield 

Harrellsville 

J.  A.  Powell 

Harrellsville 

No.  9 

Wm.  W.  Eagles 

Macclesfield 

Mameys  Neck 

S.  P.  Winborne 

Como 

No.  10 

Robert  E.  Pitt 

Pinetops 

M urfreesboro 

E.  L.  Pitt 

Pinetops 

St.  Johns 

Clarence  Chavis 

Ahoskie 

No.  11 

George  D.  Britt 

Tarboro 

W inton 

W.  D.  McGlohan 

Enfield 

No.  12 

G.  B.  Cooper 

No.  IS 

HOKE 

No.  14 

H.  L.  Lancaster 

Sharpsburg 

Allendale 

A ntioch 

GATES 

Blue  Springs 

Gatesville 

John  B.  Walters 

Gatesville 

Little  River 

J.  H.  Priest 

Marley 

Hall 

McLaughlin 

Hasletts 

Quewhiffle 

N.  A.  McDonald 

Timberland 

Holly  Grove 

W.  C.  Beaman 

Savage 

Raeford 

Hunters  Mill 

J.  M.  Beaman 

Sunbury 

Stonewall 

Mintonville 

Riynoldson 

HYDE 

Currituck 

L.  A.  Griffin 

Scranton 

GREENE 

G.  T.  Radcliff 

Leech  ville 

Bull  Head 

C.  C.  Eason 

Stantonsburg 

Fairfield 

Carrs 

Lake  Landing 

J.  M.  Hall 

Middletown 

Hookerton 

W.  A.  Shackleford 

Hookerton 

John  L.  Mann 

Lake  Landing 

Forest  Fires  in  jSTorth  Carolina 


87 


Coopers 

Dry  Wells 

J.  H.  Smith 

Middlesex 

F err  alls 

W.  B.  Bergeron 

Middlesex 

Griffins 
J acksons 

A.  W.  Cooper 

Whitakers 

Mannings 

J.  S.  Sykes 

Spring  Hope 

Nashville 

Wm.  B.  Boddie 

Nashville 

North  Whitakers 

Oak  Level 

W.  H.  Proctor 

Nashville 

Red  Oak 

J.  A.  Beal 

Battleboro 

Rocky  Mount 
South  Whitakers 

J.  W.  Robbins 

Sharpsburg 

Stony  Creek 

J.  W.  Culpepper 

Rocky  Mount 

NEW  HANOVER 

J.  C.  Harper  & Co. 

Nashville 

HYDE— Continued 

Lake  Landing 
Ocracoke 
Swan  Quarter 

JOHNSTON 

Banner 

Bentonville 

Beulah 

Boon  Hill 

Clayton 

Cleveland 

Elevation 

Ingrams 

Meadow 

Micro 

O'Neals 

Pine  Level 


Pleasant  Grove 
Selma 
Smithfield 
Wilders 

Wilsons  Mills 

JONES 

Beaver  Creek 

Chinquapin 

Cypress  Creek 

Pollocksville 

Trenton 

Tuckahoe 

White  Oak 


MARTIN 

Bear  Grass 

Cross  Roads 

Goose  Nest 

Griffins 

Hamilton 

Jamesville 

Poplar  Point 

Robersonville 

Williams 

Williamston 

NASH 

Bailey 

Castalia 


George  E.  Roper 

J.  W.  Jarvis 
T.  R.  Credle 

A. L.  Stephenson 
J.  M.  Beasley 
J.  H.  Langston 
W.  G.  Pittman 


B.  B.  Adams 
J.  J.  Rose 


H.  R.  Gerald 
W.  F.  Gerald 
N.  G.  Wigg 

C.  H.  Honeycutt 

Wm.  D.  Avena 
Bruce  Barnes 
J.  I.  Whittey 
C.  M.  Wilson 


C.  S.  Rhodes 
F.  H.  Foy 
T.  A.  Windley 


W.  A.  Perry 
McG.  Taylor 


C.  C.  Collrain 


Jesse  A.  Leggett 
A.  L.  Bellflower 

J.  L.  Collrain 
J. G.  Staton 

J.  F.  Findo 
J.  M.  Braswell 


Engelhard 

Swan  Quarter 
Swan  Quarter 

Benson 
Bentonville 
Bentonville 
Kenly,  R.  2 


Four  Oaks 
Bentonville,  R.  2 


Pine  Level 
Pine  Level 
Princeton,  R.  3 
Angier,  R.  1 

Smithfield.  R.  1 
Clayton 
Wendell,  R.  1 
Wilsons  Mills 


Comfort 

Pollocksville 

Trenton 


Kinston,  R.  1 
Kinston,  R.  3 


Deep  River 
Kinston,  R.  6 
Kinston 

Kinston,  R.  2 
Kinston,  R.  5 


Williamston,  R.  1 
Williamston 


Williamston,  R.  3 
Parmele 

Williamston 

Williamston 


NASH — Continued 


Cape  Fear 

Federal  Point 
Harnett 
Masonboro 
Wilmington 

NORTHAMPTON 

Gaston 
Jackson 
Kirby 
Occoneechee 
Pleasant  Hill 
Rich  Square 

Roanoke 

Seaboard 

Wiccacanee 

ONSLOW 

J acksonville 
Richlands 

Stump  Sound 
Swanboro 
White  Oak 

PAMLICO 

No.  1 
No.  2 

No.  3 
No.  b 
No.  6 

PASQUOTANK 

Elizabeth  City 
Mount  Herman 
Newland 

Nixonton 

Providence 

Salem 

PENDER 

Burgaw 

Caintuck 


Henry  Horne 
N.  H.  McGirt 
John  R.  Morris 


E.  M.  Clements 
G.  A.  Moore 


A.  J.  Conner 
Albert  Vann 
J.  J.  Parker 


J.  W.  Fountain 
F.  D. Shaw 
J.  T.  Shepard 
T.  H.  Prichard 
J.  E.  Freeman 


B.  D.  Eubank 
J.  W.  Martin 
E.  E.  Mayo 
J.  R.  Sadler 


T.  B.  Wilson 

W.  J.  Albertson 
W.  J.  Williams 
J.  L.  Brock 
M.  P.  Jennings 
J.  C.  James,  Jr. 


A.  H.  Paddison 

D.  J.  Corbett 
F.  P.  Flynn 

B.  F.  Keith 

E.  A.  Hawes,  Sr. 


Wilmington 
Wilmington 
Wilmington,  R.  1 


Stancell 

Jackson 


Rich  Square 
Rich  Square 
Lasker 


Richlands 

Richlands 

Hollyridge 

Swanboro 


Stonewall 

Mesic 

Lowland 


Elizabeth  City 

Elizabeth  City,  R.  4 
Elizabeth  City,  R.  6 

Elizabeth  City,  R.  3 
Weeksville 


Burgaw 

Currie 

Currie 

Currie 

Atkinson 


Middlesex 

Castalia  Caswell 


LENOIR 

Contentnea  Neck  J.  S.  Abbott 
Falling  Creek  G.  F.  Parrott 
Institute 
Kinston 
Moseley  Hall 
Neuse 
Pink  Hill 
Sand  Hill 
Southwest 
Trent 
Vance 
Woodington 


R.  K.  Noble 

F.  Leo  West 

G.  F.  Loftin 

E.  C.  Carraway 
E.  H.  Waller 


W.  D.  Tomlinson  Clayton 


Jonesville 


88 


Forest  Fires  in  ISTorth  Carolina 


PENDER— Continued 

Columbia 

Grady 

Holly 


Long  Creek 

J.  E.  Henry 

Rocky  Pt.,  R.  F. 

Rocky  Point 

W.  W.  Pearsall 

Rocky  Point 

Topsail 

The  Pine  Lbr.  Co. 

New  Bern 

U nion 

N.  W.  Powers 

Willard 

PERQUIMANS 

Belvidere 

H.  P.  White 

Belvidere 

Bethel 

Hertford 

New  Hope 

Arthur  Butt 

Hertford,  R.  3 

Parkville 

PITT 

Ayden 

J.  R.  Smith  & Bro.  Ayden 

Rev.  T.E.  Beaman  Ayden 

Beaver  Dam 

J.  J.  Harrington 

Greenville 

Belvoir 

Bethel 

M.  0.  Blount 

Bethel 

S.  T.  Carson 

Bethel 

R.  D.  Whitehurst 

Bethel 

Eureka  Lbr.  Co. 

Washington 

Carolina 

Chicod 

W.  L.  Clarke 

Chicod 

Falkland 

Abner  Eason 

Fountain 

Farmville 

John  T.  Thorne 

Farmville 

Greenville 

D.  H.  Joyner 

Greenville 

Pactolus 

J.  E.  Clark,  Jr. 

Washington 

Swift  Creek 

M.  R.  Quinerly 

Grifton 

Winterville 

J.  J.  May 

Greenville 

RICHMOND 

Beaver  Dam 

C.  H.  Teague 

Hoffman 

C.  M.  Thompson 

Hoffman 

Black  Jack 

J.  F.  Capel 

Ellerbe 

Marks  Creek 

W.  H.  II.  Bagwell 

Hamlet 

M.  B.  Nicholson 

Osborne 

Mineral  Springs 

J.  R.  Bennett 

Ellerbe 

J.  A.  Covington 

Ellerbe,  R.  F.  D. 

Rockingham 

J.  A.  Hutohison 

Roberdell 

Steeles 

A.  J.  Little 

Mangum 

Wolf  Pit 

W.  H.  Roberts 

Rockingham,  R. 

ROBESON 

Alfordsville 

Back  Swamp 

Britts 

Burnt  Swamp 

Fairmont 

J.  P.  Brown 

Fairmont 

Gaddy 

Howellsville 

D.  C.  Regan 

Lumberton,  R.  7 

Lumber  Bridge 

H.  M.  John 

Lumber  Bridge 

Lumberton 

Maxton 

Rosy  McNair 

Maxton 

Orrum 

M.  W.  Hedgpeth 

Orrum 

I.  H.  Warwick 

Orrum 

Parkton 

Pembroke 

Raft  Swamp 

J.  E.  Carlyle 

Buies 

R.  H.  Gregory 

Lumberton,  R.  6 

W.  C.  Townsend 

Buies 

Red  Springs 

A.  D.  McLeod 

Red  Springs 

J.  L.  McMillan 

Red  Springs 

Rennert 

C.  W.  Watson 

Rennert 

ROBESON— Continued 


Rowland 

A.  T.  McKeller' 

Rowland 

Saddle  Tree 
St.  Pauls 

Joseph  Allen 

St.  Pauls 

Marcus  Smith 

St.  Pauls 

Shannon 
Smiths 
Sterlings 
Thompson 
White  House 

Foster  Williams 

McDonald 

Wishart 

J.  Troy  Phillips 

Lumberton 

SAMPSON 

North  Clinton  1 
South  Clinton  / 

J.  A.  McArthur 

Clinton 

Dismal 

J.  S.  Horne 

Autryville 

W.  B.  Page 

Cooper 

Franklin 

Halls 

John  A.  Fort 

Clinton 

Herrings 

Honeycutts 

Lisbon 

Little  Coharie 
McDaniels 

C.  A.  Brown  & Bro 

. Garland 

Mingo 

Newton  Grove 

W.  A.  Bizzell 

Newton  Grove 

I.  W.  Westbrook 

Mt.  Olive,  R.  7 

Piney  Grove 
Taylors  Bridge 

A.  R.  Herring 

Delway 

Turkey 

L.  D.  Rogers 

Turkey 

Westbrooks 

Westbrook  Lee,  Sr.  Newton  Grove 

SCOTLAND 

Laurel  Hill 
Spring  Hill 
Stewartsville 
Williamson 

J.  A.  McNeill 

Laurel  Hill 

TYRRELL 

Alligator 

A.  Melson 

Fort  Landing 

Columbia 

E.  B.  Hopkins 

Columbia 

W.  E.  Spencer 

Columbia 

Gum  Neck 
Scuppemong 
South  Fork 

E.  R.  Davenport 

Columbia,  R.  1 

WASHINGTON 

Lees  Mills 

J.  E.  Singleton 

Roper 

N.  C.  Vail 

Plymouth 

Plymouth 

D.  G.  Darden 

Plymouth 

W.  J.  Jackson 

Plymouth 

Scuppemong 

W.  T.  Phelps 

Creswell 

J.  F.  Snell 

Creswell 

Skinnersville 

WAYNE 

Brogden 

John  A.  Toler 

Goldsboro 

Basil  J.  Bowden 

Dudley 

W.  F.  English 

Mount  Olive 

Buck  Swamp 

B.  F.  Smith 

Pikeville 

Fork 

W.  C.  Hollowell 

Goldsboro 

D.  C.  Pipkin 

Goldsboro 

Goldsboro 

W.  G.  Hollowell 

Goldsboro,  R.  6 

Grantham 
Great  Swamp 

B.  R.  Egerton 

Kenly,  R.  1 

Indian  Springs 
Nahunta 


Forest  Fires  in  FTorth  Carolina 


WAYNE— Continued 

New  Hope 
Pikeville 
Saulston 
Stony  Creek 

WILSON 

Black  Creek 
Cross  Roads 
Gardners 


■ 89 


WILSON — Continued 

Old  Fields 

P.  B.  Scott 

Pikeville 

Saratoga 

Joshua  Smith 

Goldsboro,  R.  5 

Spring  Hill 
Stantonsburg 

H.  E.  Thompson 

Stantonsburg 

R.  W.  Whitley 

Stantonsburg 

T aylors 
Toisnot 
Wilson 

The  W.  W.  Simms 

Wilson 

L.  P.  Woodard 

Wilson 

Co. 

PUBLICATIONS 


OF  THE 

NORTH  CAROLINA  GEOLOGICAL  AND  ECONOMIC  SURVEY 


BULLETINS 

1.  Iron  Ores  of  North  Carolina,  by  Henry  B.  C.  Nitze,  1893.  8°,  239  pp.,  20  pi.,  and 

map.  Out  of  print. 

2.  Building  and  Ornamental  Stones  in  North  Carolina,  by  T.  L.  Watson  and  F.  B. 
Laney  in  collaboration  with  George  P.  Merrill,  1906.  8°,  283  pp.’  32  pi.,  2 figs.  Postage 
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8°,  196  pp.,  14  pi.,  and  map.  Out  of  print. 

4.  Road  Material  and  Road  Construction  in  North  Carolina,  by  J.  A.  Holmes  and 

William  Cain,  1893.  8°,  88  pp.  Out  of  print. 

5.  The  Forests,  Forest  Lands,  and  Forest  Products  of  Eastern  North  Carolina,  by 
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6.  The  Timber  Trees  of  North  Carolina,  by  Gifford  Pinchot  and  W.  W.  Ashe,  1897. 
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10.  Gold  Mining  in  North  Carolina  and  other  Appalachain  States,  by  Henry  B.  C. 
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12.  History  of  the  Gems  Found  in  North  Carolina,  by  George  Frederick  Kunz,  1907. 
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13.  Clay  Deposits  and  Clay  Industries  in  North  Carolina,  by  Heinrich  Ries,  1897. 
8°,  157  pp.,  12  pi.  Out  of  print. 

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92 


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24.  Loblolly  or  North  Carolina  Pine,  by  W.  W.  Ashe,  Forest  Inspector,  U.  S.  Forest 
Service  (and  former  Forester  of  the  North  Carolina  Geological  and  Economic  Survey). 
Prepared  in  Cooperation  with  the  Forest  Service,  U.  S.  Department  of  Agriculture,  1914. 
8°,  176  pp.,  27  pi.,  5 figs.  Postage  15  cents.  Cloth  copies  50  cents  extra. 

25.  Zircon,  Monazite,  and  Other  Minerals  used  in  the  Production  of  Chemical  Com- 
pounds Employed  in  the  Manufacture  of  Lighting  Apparatus,  by  Joseph  Hyde  Pratt, 
Ph.D.,  1916.  8°,  120  pp.,  3 pi.  Postage  15  cents.  Cloth  copies  50  cents  extra. 

26.  A Report  on  the  Yirgilina  Copper  District  of  North  Carolina  and  Virginia,  by  F.  B. 

Laney,  Ph.D.,  1917.  8°,  ...  pp pi.,  ...  maps.  Postage  ..  cents.  In  press. 

27.  The  Altitudes  of  North  Carolina,  1917.  8°,  124  pp.  Pastage  20  cents.  In  press. 

ECONOMIC  PAPERS 

1.  The  Maple  Sugar  Industry  in  Wetsern  North  Carolina,  by  W.  W.  Ashe,  1897. 
8°,  34  pp.  Postage  2 cents. 

2.  Recent  Road  Legislation  in  North  Carolina,  by  J.  A.  Holmes.  Out  of  print. 

3.  Talc  and  Pyrophyllite  Deposits  in  North  Carolina,  by  Joseph  Hyde  Pratt,  1900. 
8°,  29  pp.,  2 maps.  Postage  2 cents. 

4.  The  Mining  Industry  in  North  Carolina  During  1900,  by  Joseph  Hyde  Pratt,  1901. 
8°,  36  pp.,  and  map.  Postage  2 cents. 

Takes  up  in  some  detail  Occurrences  of  Gold,  Silver,  Lead  and  Zinc,  Copper,  Iron,  Manganese,  Corundum, 
Granite,  Mica,  Talc,  Pyrophyllite,  Graphite,  Kaolin,  Gem  Minerals,  Monazite,  Tungsten,  Building  Stones, 
and  Coal  in  North  Carolina. 

5.  Road  Laws  of  North  Carolina,  by  J.  A.  Holmes.  Out  of  print. 

6.  The  Mining  Industry  in  North  Carolina  During  1901,  by  Joseph  Hyde  Pratt.  1902. 
8°,  102  pp.  Out  of  print. 

Gives  a List  of  Minerals  found  in  North  Carolina ; describes  the  Treatment  of  Sulphuret  Gold  Ores, 
giving  localities;  takes  up  the  Occurrence  of  Copper  in  the  Yirgilina,  Gold  Hill,  and  Ore  Knob  districts; 
gives  Occurrence  and  Uses  of  Corundum;  a List  of  Garnets,  describing  Localities;  the  Occurrence, 
Associated  Minerals,  Uses  and  Localities  of  Mica;  the  Occurrence  of  North  Carolina  Feldspar,  with 
Analyses ; an  extended  description  of  North  Carolina  Gems  and  Gem  Minerals ; Occurrences  of  Monazite. 
Barytes,  Ocher;  describes  and  gives  Occurrences  of  Graphite  and  Coal;  describes  and  gives  Occurrences  of 
Building  Stones,  including  Limestone;  describes  and  gives  Uses  for  the  various  foi-ms  of  Clay;  and  under 
the  head  of  “Other  Economic  Minerals,”  describes  and  gives  Occurrences  of  Chromite,  Asbestos,  and 
Zircon. 

7.  Mining  Industry  in  North  Carolina  During  1902,  by  Joseph  Hyde  Pratt,  1903.  8°,  27 
pp.  Out  of  print. 

8.  The  Mining  Industry  in  North  Carolina  During  1903,  by  Joseph  Hyde  Pratt.  1904. 
8°,  74  pp.  Postage  If  cents. 

Gives  description  of  Mines  worked  for  Gold  in  1903 ; description  of  Properties  worked  for  Copper 
during  1903,  together  with  assay  of  ore  from  Twin-Edwards  Mine;  Analyses  of  Limonite  ore  from  Wilson 
Mine ; the  Occurrence  of  Tin ; in  some  detail  the  Occurrences  of  Abrasives,  Occurrences  of  Monazite  and 
Zircon;  Occurrences  and  Varieties  of  Graphite,  giving  Methods  of  Cleaning;  Occurrences  of  Marble  and 
other  forms  of  Limestone;  Analyses  of  Kaolin  from  Barber  Creek,  Jackson  County,  North  Carolina. 

9.  The  Mining  Industry  in  North  Carolina  During  1904,  by  Joseph  Hyde  Pratt,  1905. 
8°,  95  pp.  Postage  If  cents. 

Gives  Mines  Producing  Gold  and  Silver  during  1903  and  1904  and  Sources  of  the  Gold  Produced  during 
1904;  describes  the  mineral  Chromite,  giving  Analyses  of  Selected  Samples  of  Chromite  from  Mines  in 
Yancey  County;  describes  Commercial  Varieties  of  Mica,  giving  the  manner  in  which  it  occurs  in  North 
Carolina,  Percentage  of  Mica  in  the  Dikes,  Methods  of  Mining,  Associated  Minerals,  Localities;  Uses;  de- 
scribes the  mineral  Barytes,  giving  Method  of  Cleaning  and  Preparing  Barytes  for  Market;  describes  the 
use  of  Monazite  as  used  in  connection  with  the  Preparation  of  the  Bunsen  Burner,  and  goes  into  the 
use  of  Zircon  in  connection  with  the  Nernst  Lamp,  giving  a List  of  the  Principal  Yttrium  Minerals; 
describes  the  minerals  containing  Corundum  Gems,  Hiddenite  and  Other  Gem  Minerals,  and  gives  New 
Occurrences  of  these  Gems;  describes  the  mineral  Graphite  and  gives  new  LTses  for  same. 

10.  Oyster  Culture  in  North  Carolina,  by  Robert  E.  Coker,  1905.  8°,  39  pp.  Out  of 

print. 

11.  The  Mining  Industry  in  North  Carolina  During  1905,  by  Joseph  Hyde  Pratt.  1906. 
8°,  95  pp.  Postage  If  cents. 

Describes  the  mineral  Cobalt  and  the  principal  minerals  that,  contain  Cobalt;  Corundum  Localities: 
Monazite  and  Zircon  in  considerable  detail,  giving  Analyses  of  Thorianite;  describes  Tantalum  Minerals 


Forest  Fires  in  FTorth  Carolina 


93 


and  gives  description  of  the  Tantalum  Lamp ; gives  brief  description  of  Peat  Deposits ; the  manufacture 
of  Sand-lime  Brick;  Operations  of  Concentrating  Plant  in  Black  Sand  Investigations;  gives  Laws  Relating 
to  Mines,  Coal  Mines,  Mining,  Mineral  Interests  in  Land,  Phosphate  Rock,  Marl  Beds. 

12.  Investigations  Relative  to  the  Shad  Fisheries  of  North  Carolina,  by  John  N.  Cobb. 
1906.  8°,  74  pp.,  8 maps.  Postage  6 cents. 

13.  Report  of  Committee  on  Fisheries  in  North  Carolina.  Compiled  by  Joseph  Hyde 
Pratt,  1906.  8°,  78  pp.  Out  of  print. 

14.  The  Mining  Industry  in  North  Carolina  During  1906,  by  Joseph  Hyde  Pratt,  1907. 
8°,  144  pp.,  20  pi.,  and  5 figs.  Postage  10  cents. 

Under  the  head  of  “Recent  Changes  in  Gold  Mining  in  North  Carolina,”  gives  methods  of.  mining, 
describing  Log  Washers,  Square  Sets,  Cyanide  Plants,  etc.,  and  detailed  descriptions  of  Gold  Deposits  and 
Mines  are  given;  Copper  Deposits  of  Swain  County  are  described;  Mica  Deposits  of  Western  North  Caro- 
lina are  described,  giving  Distribution  and  General  Character,  General  Geology,  Occurrence,  Associated 
Minerals,  Mining  and  treatment  of  Mica,  Origin,  together  with  a description  of  many  of  the  mines;  Monazite 
is  taken  up  in  considerable  detail  as  to  Location  and  Occurrence,  Geology,  including  classes  of  Rocks,  Age, 
Associations,  Weathering,  • method  of  Mining  and  Cleaning,  description  of  Monazite  in  Original  Matrix. 

15.  The  Mining  Industry  in  North  Carolina  During  1907,  by  Joseph  Hyde  Fratt,  1908. 
8°,  176  pp.,  13  pi.,  and  4 figs.  Postage  15  cents. 

Takes  up  in  detail  the  Copper  and  Gold  Hill  Copper  District;  a description  of  the  Uses  of  Monazite 
and  its  Associated  Minerals;  descriptons  of  Ruby,  Emerald,  Beryl.  Hiddenite.  and  Amethyst  Localities; 
a detailed  description  with  Analyses  of  the  Principal  Mineral  Springs  of  North  Carolina;  a description 
of  the  Peat  Formations  in  North  Carolina,  together  with  a detailed  account  of  the  Uses  of  Peat  and  the 
Results  of  an  Experiment  Conducted  by  the  United  States  Geological  Survey  on  Peat  from  Elizabeth 
City,  North  Carolina. 

16.  Report  of  Convention  called  by  Governor  R.  B.  Glenn  to  Investigate  the  Fishing  In- 
dustries in  North  Carolina,  compiled  by  Joseph  Hyde  Pratt,  State  Geologist,  1908.  8°, 

45  pp.  Out  of  print. 

17.  Proceedings  of  Drainage  Convention  held  at  New  Bern,  North  Carolina,  September 
9,  1908.  Compiled  by  Joseph  Hyde  Pratt,  1908.  8°,  94  pp.  Out  of  print. 

18.  Proceedings  of  Second  Annual  Drainage  Convention  held  at  New  Bern,  North  Caro- 
lina, November  11  and  12,  1909,  compiled  by  Joseph  Hyde  Pratt,  and  containing  North 
Carolina  Drainage  Law,  1909.  8°,  50  pp.  Out  of  print. 

19.  Forest  Fires  in  North  Carolina  During  1909,  by  J.  S.  Holmes,  Forester,  1910.  8°, 
52  pp.,  9 pi.  Out  of  print. 

20.  Wood-using  Industries  of  North  Carolina,  by  Roger  E.  Simmons,  under  the  direc- 
tion of  J.  S.  Holmes  and  H.  S.  Sackett.  1910.  8°,  74  pp.,  6 pi.  Out  of  print. 

21.  Proceedings  of  the  Third  Annual  Drainage  Convention,  held  under  Auspices  of 
the  North  Carolina  Drainage  Association;  and  the  North  Carolina  Drainage  Law  (codi- 
fied). Compiled  by  Joseph  Hyde  Pratt,  1911.  8°,  67  pp.,  3 pi.  Out  of  print. 

22.  Forest  Fires  in  North  Carolina  During  1910,  by  J.  S.  Holmes.  Forester,  1911.  8°, 

48  pp.  Out  of  print. 

23.  Mining  Industry  in  North  Carolina  During  1908,  ’09,  and  TO,  by  Joseph  Hyde  Pratt 
and  Miss  H.  M.  Berry,  1911.  8°,  134  pp.,  1 pi.,  27  figs.  Postage  10  cents.  Cloth  copies 
50  cents  extra. 

Gives  report  on  Yirgilina  Copper  District  of  North  Carolina  and  Virginia,  by  F.  B.  Laney;  Detailed 
report  on  Mica  Deposits  of  North  Carolina,  by  Douglas  B.  Sterrett;  Detailed  report  on  Monazite,  by 
Douglas  B.  Sterrett;  Reports. on  various  Gem  Minerals,  by  Douglas  B.  Sterrett;  Information  and  Analyses 
concerning  certain  Mineral  Springs ; Extracts  from  Chance  Report  of  the  Dan  River  and  Deep  River  Coal 
Fields;  Some  notes  on  the  Peat  Industry,  by  Professor  Charles  A.  Davis;  Extract  from  report  of  Arthur 
Keith  on  the  Nantahala  Marble;  Description  of  the  manufacture  of  Sand-lime  Brick. 

24.  Fishing  Industry  of  North  Carolina,  by  Joseph  Hyde  Pratt,  1911.  8°,  44  pp. 

Out  of  print. 

25.  Proceedings  of  Second  Annual  Convention  of  the  North  Carolina  Forestry  Associa- 
tion, held  at  Raleigh,  North  Carolina,  February  21,  1912.  Forest  Fires  in  North  Caro- 
lina During  1911.  Suggested  Forestry  Legislation.  Compiled  by  J.  S.  Holmes,  Forester, 
1912.  8°,  71  pp.  Postage  5 cents. 

26.  Proceedings  of  Fourth  Annual  Drainage  Convention,  held  at  Elizabeth  City,  North 
Carolina,  November  15  and  16,  1911,  compiled  by  Joseph  Hyde  Pratt,  State  Geologist, 
1912.  8°,  45  pp.  Out  of  print. 

27.  Highway  Work  in  North  Carolina,  containing  a Statistical  Report  of  Road  Work 
during  1911,  by  Joseph  Hyde  Pratt,  State  Geologist,  and  Miss  H.  M.  Berry,  Secretary, 
1912.  8°,  145  pp.,  11  figs.  Out  of  print. 


94 


Forest  Fires  in  FTorth  Carolina 


28.  Culverts  and  Small  Bridges  for  Country  Roads  in  North  Carolina,  by  C.  R.  Thomas 
and  T.  F.  Hickerson,  1912.  8°,  56  pp.,  14  figs.,  20  pi.  Postage  10  cents. 

29.  Report  of  the  Fisheries  Convention  held  at  New  Bern,  N.  C.,  December  13,  1911,  com- 
piled by  Joseph  Hyde  Pratt,  State  Geologist,  together  with  a Compendium  of  the  Steno- 
graphic Notes  of  the  Meetings  Held  on  the  two  trips  taken  by  the  Legislative  Fish  Com- 
mittee Appointed  by  the  General  Assembly  of  1909,  and  the  Legislation  Recommended 
by  this  Committee,  1912.  8°,  302  pp.  Postage  15  cents. 

30.  Proceedings  of  the  Annual  Convention  of  the  North  Carolina  Good  Roads  Associa- 
tion held  at  Charlotte,  N.  C.,  August  1 and  2,  1912,  in  Cooperation  with  the  North  Carolina 
Geological  and  Economic  Survey.  Compiled  by  Joseph  Hyde  Pratt,  State  Geologist,  and 
Miss  H.  M.  Berry,  Secretary,  1912.  8°,  109  pp.  Postage  10  cents. 

31.  Proceedings  of  Fifth  Annual  Drainage  Convention  held  at  Raleigh,  N.  C.,  Novem- 
ber 26  and  27,  1912.  Compiled  by  Joseph  Hyde  Pratt,  State  Geologist.  8°,  56  pp.,  6 pi. 
Postage  5 cents. 

32.  Public  Roads  are  Public  Necessities,  by  Joseph  Hyde  Pratt,  State  Geologist,  1913. 
8°,  62  pp.  Postage  5 cents. 

33.  Forest  Fires  in  North  Carolina  during  1912  and  National  and  Association  Coopera- 
tive Fire  Control,  by  J.  S.  Holmes,  Forester,  1913.  8°,  63  pp.  Postage  5 cents. 

34.  Mining  'Industry  in  North  Carolina  during  1911-12,  by  Joseph  Hyde  Pratt.  State 
Geologist,  1914.  8°,  314  pp.,  23  pi.,  12  figs.  Postage  15  cents. 

Gives  detailed  report  on  Gold  Mining  in  various  counties  with  special  report  on  Metallurgical  Processes 
used  at  the  Iola  Mine,  by  Claud  Hafer;  description  of  a Cyanide  Mill,  by  Percy  Barbour;  the  new 
milling  process  for  treating  North  Carolina  Siliceous  Gold  Ores  at  the  Montgomery  Mine,  including  a de- 
scription of  the  TJwarrie  Mining  Company’s  Plant ; notes  on  the  Carter  Mine,  Montgomery  County,  by 
Claud  Hafer;  also  a description  of  the  Howie  Mine  and  its  mill;  a detailed  report  of  the  Coggins 
(Appalachian)  Gold  Mine,  by  Joseph  Hyde  Pratt;  a list  of  gems  and  gem  minerals  occurring  in  the 
United  States;  special  descriptions  of  Localities  where  the  Amethyst,  Beryl,  Emerald,  and  Quartz  Gems 
Occur,  as  taken  from  United  States  Geological  Survey  Report  by  Douglas  B.  Sterrett;  a report  on  the 
Dan  River  Coal  Field,  by  R.  W.  Stone,  as  reprinted  from  Bulletin  471-B  of  the  United  States  Geological 
Survey ; a special  report  on  Graphite,  by  Edson  S.  Bastin  and  reprinted  from  Mineral  Resources  of 
United  States  for  1912;  a special  report  on  Asbestos  describing  both  the  Amphibole  and  Chrysotile 
varieties;  a report  on  the  Mount  Airy  Granite  Quarry;  special  report  on  Sand  and  Gravel,  giving  Uses. 
Definitions  of  Various  Sands,  etc.;  the  portion  of  a Bulletin  on  Feldspar  and  Kaolin  of  the  United  States 
Bureau  of  Mines,  which  relates  to  North  Carolina,  and  which  takes  up  in  detail  Occurrences,  Methods  of 
Mining,  and  Descriptions  of  Localities  of  Feldspar  and  Kaolin  mines  in  North  Carolina,  prepared  by 
Mr.  A.  S.  Watts.  In  this  Economic  Paper  are  also  given  the  names  and  addresses  of  producers  of 
the  various  minerals  during  the  years  covered  by  the  report. 

35.  Good  Roads  Days,  November  5th  and  6th,  1913,  compiled  by  Joseph  Hyde  Pratt. 
State  Geologist,  and  Miss  H.  M.  Berry,  Secretary.  8°,  102  pp.,  11  pi.  Postage  10  cents. 

36.  Proceedings  of  the  North  Carolina  Good  Roads  Association,  held  at  Morehead  City. 
N.  C.,  July  31st  and  August  1,  1913.  In  Cooperation  with  the  North  Carolina  Geological 
and  Economic  Survey. — Statistical  Report  of  Highway  Work  in  North  Carolina  during 
1912.  Compiled  by  Joseph  Hyde  Pratt,  State  Geologist,  and  Miss  H.  M.  Berry,  Secre- 
tary. 8°,  127  pp.,  7 figs.  Postage  10  cents. 

37.  Forest  Fires  in  North  Carolina  during  1913  and  a Summary  of  State  Forest  Fire 

Prevention  in  the  United  States,  by  J.  S.  Holmes,  Forester,  1914.  8°,  82  pp.  Postage 

8 cents. 

38.  Forms  covering  the  Organization  of  Drainage  Districts  under  the  North  Carolina 
Drainage  Law,  Chapter  442,  Public  Laws  of  1909,  and  Amendments.  And  Forms  for 
Minutes  of  Boards  of  Drainage  Commissioners  covering  the  Organization  of  the  Board 
up  to  and  Including  the  Issuing  of  the  Drainage  Bonds.  Compiled  by  Geo.  R.  Boyd, 
Drainage  Engineer.  133  pp.  Out  of  grint. 

39.  Proceedings  of  the  Good  Roads  Institute  held  at  the  University  of  North  Carolina. 
March  17-19,  1914.  Held  under  the  auspices  of  the  Departments  of  Civil  and  Highway 
Engineering  of  the  University  of  North  Carolina  and  the  North  Carolina  Geological 
and  Economic  Survey.  8°,  117  pp.,  15  figs.,  4 pi.  Postage  10  cents. 

40.  Forest  Fires  in  North  Carolina  during  1914  and  Forestry  Laws  of  North  Carolina, 
by  J.  S.  Holmes,  State  Forester,  1915.  8°,  55  pp.  Postage  5 cents. 

41.  Proceedings  of  Seventh  Annual  Drainage  Convention  of  the  North  Carolina  Drain- 

age Association  held  at  Wilson,  North  Carolina,  November  18  and  19,  1914.  Compiled 
by  Joseph  Hyde  Pratt,  State  Geologist,  and  Miss  H.  M.  Berry,  Secretary.  1915.  S°,  76 

pp.,  3 figs.  Postage  5 cents. 


Forest  Fires  in  ISTorth  Carolina 


95 


42.  Organization  of  Cooperative  Forest  Fire  Protective  Areas  in  North  Carolina,  being 

the  Proceedings  of  the  Special  Conference  on  Forest  Fire  Protection,  held  as  part 
of  the  Conference  on  Forestry  and  Nature  Study,  Montreat,  N.  C.;  July  8,  1915.  Pre- 
pared by  J.  S.  Holmes,  State  Forester,  1915.  8°,  39  pp.  Postage  4 cents. 

43.  Proceedings  of  the  Second  Road  Institute,  held  at  the  University  of  North  Caro- 
lina, February  23-27,  1915.  Compiled  by  Joseph  Hyde  Pratt,  State  Geologist,  and  Miss 
H.  M.  Berry,  Secretary,  1916.  8°,  128  pp.  Postage  15  cents. 

44.  Highway  Work  in  North  Carolina  During  the  Calendar  Year  Ending  December 

31,  1914.  Compiled  by  Joseph  Hyde  Pratt,  State  Geologist,  and  Miss  H.  M.  Berry, 
Secretary,  1916.  8°,  55  pp.  Postage  10  cents. 

45.  Proceedings  of  the  Eighth  Annual  Drainage  Convention.  Held  under  the  Auspices 
of  the  North  Carolina  Drainage  Association  and  the  North  Carolina  Geological  and 
Economic  Survey,  Belhaven,  N.  C.,  November  29,  30,  and  December  1,  1915.  Compiled 
by  Joseph  Hyde  Pratt,  State  Geologist,  and  Miss  H.  M.  Berry,  Secretary.  8°,  90  pp. 
Postage  15  cents. 

46.  The  Vegetation  of  Shackleford  Bank,  by  I.  F.  Lewis,  1917.  8°,  40  pp.,  11  pi. 

Postage  10  cents. 

47.  Proceedings  of  the  Ninth  Annual  Drainage  Convention  of  the  North  Carolina 

Drainage  Association,  held  at  Greensboro,  N.  C.,  November  22  and  23,  1916.  Compiled 
by  Joseph  Hyde  Pratt,  State  Geologist,  and  Miss  H.  M.  Berry,  Secretary,  1917.  8°,  110 

pp.,  8 figs.  Postage  15  cents. 

48.  Forest  Fires  in  North  Carolina  during  1915,  1916  and  1917,  and  Present  Status 
of  Forest  Fire  Prevention  in  North  Carolina,  by  J.  S.  Holmes,  State  Forester,  1918. 
8°,  97  pp.  Postage  . . cents. 

VOLUMES 

Vol.  I.  Corundum  and  the  Basic  Magnesian  Rocks  in  Western  North  Carolina,  by 
Joseph  Hyde  Pratt  and  J.  Volney  Lewis,  1905.  8°,  464  pp.,  44  pi.,  35  figs.  Postage  8: 2 

cents.  Cloth-hound  copy  $1  extra. 

Vol.  II.  Fishes  of  North  Carolina,  by  H.  M.  Smith,  1907.  8°,  453  pp.,  21  pi.,  188 

figs.  Postage  75  cents.  Cloth-hound  copy  $1  extra. 

Vol.  III.  The  Coastal  Plain  Deposits  of  North  Carolina,  by  William  Bullock  Clark, 
Benjamin  L.  Miller,  L.  W.  Stephenson,  B.  L.  Johnson,  and  Horatio  N.  Parker,  1912. 
8°,  509  pp.,  62  pi.,  21  figs.  Postage  35  cents. 

Pt.  I. — The  Physiography  and  Geology  of  the  Coastal  Plain,  of  North  Carolina,  by  Win.  Bullock  Clark, 
Benjamin  L.  Miller,  and  L.  W.  Stephenson. 

Pt.  II. — The  Water  Resources  of  the  Coastal  Plain  of  North  Carolina,  by  L.  W.  Stephenson  and  B.  L. 
Johnson.. 

Vol.  IV. — The  Birds  of  North  Carolina — In  press. 


BIENNIAL  REPORTS 

First  Biennial  Report,  1891-1892,  J.  A.  Holmes,  State  Geologist,  1893.  8°,  111  pp., 

12  pi.,  2 figs.  Postage  6 cents. 

Administrative  report,  giving  Object  and  Organization  of  the  Survey;  Investigations  of  Iron  Ores, 
Building  Stone,  Geological  Work  in  Coastal  Plain  Region,  including  supplies  and  drinking  waters  in 
eastern  counties,  Report  on  Forests  and  Forest  Products,  Coal  and  Marble,  Investigations  of  Diamond  Drill. 

Biennial  Report,  1893-1894,  J.  A.  Holmes,  State  Geologist,  1894.  8°,  15  pp.  Postage 

1 cent. 

Administrative  report. 

Biennial  Report,  1895-1896,  J.  A.  Holmes,  State  Geologist,  1896.  8°,  17  pp.  Postage  1 

cent. 

Administrative  report. 

Biennial  Report,  1897-1898,  J.  A.  Holmes,  State  Geologist,  1898.  8°,  28  pp.  Postage  2 
cents. 

Administrative  report. 


96 


Forest  Fires  in  jSTorth  Carolina 


Biennial  Report,  1899-1900,  J.  A.  Holmes,  State  Geologist,  1900.  8°,  20  pp.  Postage  2 

cents. 

Administrative  report. 

Biennial  Report,  1901-1902,  J.  A.  Holmes,  State  Geologist,  1902.  8°,  15  pp.  Postage  1 
cent. 

Administrative  report. 

Biennial  Report,  1903-1904,  J.  A.  Holmes,  State  Geologist,  1905.  8°,  32  pp.  Postage  2 

cents. 

Administrative  report. 

Biennial  Report,  1905-1906,  Joseph  Hyde  Pratt,  State  Geologist,  1907.  8°,  60  pp. 

Postage  3 cents. 

Administrative  report;  report  on  certain  swamp  lands  belonging  to  the  State,  by  W.  W.  Ashe;  it  also 
gives  certain  magnetic  observations  at  North  Carolina  stations. 

Biennial  Report,  1907-1908,  Joseph  Hyde  Pratt,  State  Geologist,  1908.  8°,  60  pp., 

2 pi.  Postage  5 cents . 

Administrative  report.  Contains  Special  Report  on  an  examination  of  the  Sand  Banks  along  the  North 
Carolina  Coast,  by  Jay  F.  Bond,  Forest  Assistant,  United  States  Forest  Service ; certain  magnetic 

observations  at  North  Carolina  stations ; Results  of  an  Investigation  Relating  to  Clam  Cultivation,  by 
Howard  E.  Enders,  of  Purdue  University. 

Biennial  Report,  1909-1910,  Joseph  Hyde  Pratt,  State  Geologist,  1911.  8°,  152  pp. 

Postage  10  cents. 

Administrative  report,  and  contains  Agreements  for  Cooperation  in  Statistical  Work,  and  Topographical 
and  Traverse  Mapping  Work  with  the  United  States  Geological  Survey;  Forest  Work,  with  the  United 
States  Department  of  Agriculture  (Forest  Service)  ; List  of  Topographic  maps  of  North  Carolina  and 
counties  partly  or  wholly  topographically  mapped;  description  of  Special  Highways  in  North  Carolina; 
suggested  Road  Legislation;  list  of  Drainage  Districts  and  Results  of  Third  Annual  Drainage  Conven- 
tion ; Forestry  Reports  relating  to  Connolly  Tract,  Buncombe  County  and  Transylvania  County  State 
Farms;  certain  Watersheds;  Reforestation  of  Cut-over  and  Abandoned  Farm  Lands  on  the  Woodlands  of 
the  Salem  Academy  and  College ; Recommendations  for  the  Artificial  Regeneration  of  Longleaf  Pine  at 
Pinehurst ; Act  regulating  the  use  of  and  for  the  Protection  of  Meridian  Monuments  and  Standards  of 
Measure  at  the  several  county  seats  of  North  Carolina ; list  of  Magnetic  Declinations  at  the  county  seats, 
January  1,  1910;  letter  of  Fish  Commissioner  of  the  United  States  Bureau  of  Fisheries  relating  to  the 
conditions  of  the  North  Carolina  fish  industries;  report  of  the  Survey  for  the  North  Carolina  Fish  Com- 
mission referring  to  dutch  or  pound-net  fishing  in  Albermarle  and  Croatan  sounds  and  Chowan  River, 
by  Gilbert  T.  Rude,  of  the  United  States  Coast  and  Geodetic  Survey;  Historical  Sketch  of  the  several 
North  Carolina  Geological  Surveys,  with  list  of  publications  of  each. 

Biennial  Report,  1911-1912,  Joseph  Hyde  Pratt,  State  Geologist,  1913.  S°,  118  pp. 

Postage  7 cents. 

Administrative  report,  and  contains  reports  on  method  of  construction  and  estimate  of  cost  of  road 
improvement  in  Stantonsburg  Township,  Wilson  County ; report  on  road  conditions  in  Lee  County ; report 
on  preliminary  location  of  section  of  Spartanburg-Hendersonville  Highway  between  Tryon  and  Tuxedo ; 
report  of  road  work  done  by  United  States  Office  of  Public  Roads  during  biennial  period;  experiments 
with  glutrin  on  the  sand-clay  road;  report  on  Central  Highway,  giving,  Act  establishing  and  report  of 
trip  over  the  Highway ; suggested  road  legislation ; report  on  the  Asheville  City  watershed ; report  on  the 
Struan  property  at  Arden,  Buncombe  County;  report  on  the  Woodlands  on  the  farm  of  Dr.  J.  ^V.  Kilgore. 
Iredell  County;  report  on  examination  of  the  woodlands  on  the  Berry  place,  Orange  County;  report  on  the 
forest  property  of  Miss  Julia  A.  Thorns,  Ashboro,  Randolph  County;  report  on  the  exannnation  of  the 
forest  lands  of  the  Butters  Lumber  Company,  Columbus  County;  proposed  forestry  legislation;  swamp 
lands  and  drainage,  giving  drainage  districts ; suggested  drainage  legislation;  proposed  Fisheries  Com- 
mission Bill. 


Biennial  Report,  1913-1914,  Joseph  Hyde  Pratt,  State  Geologist,  1915.  8°,  165  pp. 

Postage  10  cents. 

Administrative  report,  and  contains  reports  on  the  work  of  the  State  convicts  on  Hickory  Nut  Gap 
Road,  Henderson  County,  and  on  the  link  of  the  Central  Highway  in  Madison  County  which  is  being 
constructed  with  State  convicts ; report  on  road  work  accomplished  by  the  State  burvey  and  by  the 
United  States  Office  of  Public  Roads  during  biennial  period;  suggested  road  legislation ; a lorestry  policy 
for  North  Carolina;  report  on  investigation.  Timber  supply  of  North  Carolina;  reports  on  the  examina- 
tion of  certain  forest  lands  in  Halifax  County ; report  on  the  ash  in  North  Carolina ; report  on  the  spruce 
forests  of  Mount  Mitchell;  report  on  the  forest-fire  conditions  in  the  northeastern  States,  by  J.  b.  Holmes. 
Report  on  the  work  of  the  United  States  Forest  Service  in  North  Carolina  in  connection  with  the  pur- 
chase of  forest  reserves  and  their  protection ; timber  tests,  including  strength  of  timber,  preservation 
of  timber,  timber  suitable  to  produce  pulp,  distillation  of  certain  woods  and  drying  certain  woocts, 
suggested  forestry  legislation;  report  on  the  swamp  lands  and  their  drainage  m .North  Caro lina , ^ i n- 
gested drainage  legislation;  report  on  magnetic  observations  made  during  biennial  period;  report  on  the 
economic  value  of  the  fisheries  of  North  Carolina ; report  on  the  survey  made  m Albemarle,  Croatan,  and 
Pamlico  sounds  by  the  Coast  and  Geodetic  Survey ; suggested  fisheries  legislation. 


Forest  Fires  in  jSTorth  Carolina 


97 


Biennial  Report,  1915-1916,  Joseph  Hyde  Pratt,  State  Geologist,  1917.  8°,  202  pp. 

Postage  25  cents. 


Samples  of  any  mineral  found  in  the  State  may  be  sent  to  the  office  of  the  Geological 
and  Economic  Survey  for  identification,  and  the  same  will  be  classified  free  of  charge. 
It  must  be  understood,  however,  that  no  assays  or  quantitative  determinations  will 
be  made.  Samples  should  be  in  a lump  form  if  possible,  and  marked  plainly  on  outside 
of  package  with  name  of  sender,  postoffice  address,  etc.;  a letter  should  accompany 
sample  and  stamp  should  be  enclosed  for  reply. 


These  publications  are  mailed  to  libraries  and  to  individuals  who  may  desire  informa- 
tion on  any  of  the  special  subjects  named,  free  of  charge,  except  that  in  each  case 
applicants  for  the  reports  should  forward  the  amount  of  postage  needed,  as  indicated 
above,  for  mailing  the  bulletins  desired,  to  the  State  Geologist,  Chapel  Hill,  N.  C. 


Date  Due 

Form  335— 40M— 6-39— S 

D00754636V 


N873  Mo.*  * 54881 

H«C«  Geological  and  Economic 


Survey: 

0 „ — - 

Forest  Fires  in  N.C . 

1915-1917 

DATE  DUE 

ISSUED  TO 

Feb.  3 ,411  Finning. 


553  H873 


no . 48 


54881 


